Ever wonder where the concept of the Olympic Flame originated? You are standing in front of the Olympic Stadium. This stadium is in Amsterdam. It hosted the 1928 Summer Olympics. It is the only time the Netherlands hosted the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Stadium’s story is one of innovation. It is also a near-miss with demolition. In 1921, Amsterdam was chosen to host the 1928 Olympics. This was after a secret agreement between Baron Pierre de Coubertin and Baron Van Tuyll van Serooskerken. Amsterdam became the world’s sporting capital.
Jan Wils designed the Olympic Stadium. Fortunately, the stadium still functions today. In the 1980s, there was a plan to demolish it for housing. Public actions prevented this demolition. The Marathon Tower still stands. It is in front of the main entrance. The Olympic fire was first lit on that tower in 1928. Wils envisioned the fire. He wanted the entire city to know the Olympics were happening. The Olympic fire is a Dutch invention. However, the torchlight procession from Olympia did not exist yet. It began in 1936 as a propaganda stunt.
The Olympic Stadium was central to the 1928 Olympic Games. Most of the events were nearby. The Netherlands Sports Park was across from the Olympic Stadium. Temporary halls were built for boxing, weightlifting, and fencing. A swimming pool existed. However, it was destroyed after the games. Only the Olympic Stadium and Marathon Tower remain.
In 1928, the stadium area was called “Wils’ creation”. Wils received worldwide acclaim after the Olympics. A leading newspaper called his work “the proof of Dutch strength”. A magazine described a sports city made of stone. It was “spacious and large, just as Amsterdam is”.
The Olympic Stadium introduced the Olympic Flame. It burned in the Marathon Tower. Horn blowers used the tower’s balconies during the Games. Philips speakers broadcast results and messages. This was a novelty at the time. Amsterdammers called the bowl holding the Olympic flame “the ashtray of KLM pilots”. A permanent Olympic flame was also an Olympic first.
Ajax used the Olympic Stadium for international games until 1996. Then, the Amsterdam Arena now the Johan Cruyff Arena opened. Renovation began in 1996. The stadium was restored to its original 1928 design. The second ring from 1937 was removed. The capacity reduced to 22288. The stadium became suitable for track and field again. Since 2005, the stadium houses a sports museum. It is called the Olympic Experience Amsterdam.
Jan Wils also designed the concrete second ring added in 1937. The original plan involved expanding the Harry Elte stadium. However, the city wanted to demolish that stadium. The final plan created a new Olympic Stadium further west. Construction began in 1926. The area was elevated with 750000 cubic meters of sand. Prince Hendrik laid the first stone on May 18, 1927.
The football pitch measures 114 by 75 meters. The athletics track is eight meters wide. It has a perimeter of 400 meters. The cycle track was nine meters wide. It had a perimeter of 500 meters. The stadium also hosted equestrian jumping, field hockey, gymnastics and korfball events.
In 1987, the city planned to demolish the stadium. Listing it as a national monument saved it. The stadium reopened on May 13, 2000. The Prince of Orange reopened it. In 2007, the area around the stadium was renovated. New bridges were built.
The Olympic Stadium hosted several international football matches. It also hosted various sporting events. These included athletics, speedway, field hockey, and cycling. The 1954 Tour de France started outside the stadium. Ajax used the stadium for games needing floodlights.
In 2014, a long track speedskating rink was temporarily installed. It hosted the Dutch national championship. The stadium is also a tourist attraction. Tours are available in multiple languages.
So, as you stand here, remember the Olympic Stadium’s legacy. It is a monument to sporting achievement. It is also a testament to architectural vision. Its history is etched into every stone. It is visible in every corner.