Vandals wreck former Cambuur Stadium as new arena opens in Leeuwarden

A large group caused extensive damage Saturday evening at the old stadium of SC Cambuur in Leeuwarden, breaking windows, tearing seats from the stands, and destroying a fieldside canopy, Leeuwarder Courant reports.

The first report of the vandalism came around 7 p.m., shortly after Cambuur played its inaugural match in the newly built Kooi Stadion on the opposite side of the city. According to authorities, dozens of men entered the former stadium and began to damage the property. Fireworks were also set off inside the grounds.

Police said they managed to de-escalate the situation after speaking directly with some of those involved. “The situation was calmed down through dialogue,” a police spokesperson told the Leeuwarder Courant. No fines were issued, the newspaper reported.

The incident occurred as Cambuur celebrated the official opening of its new stadium. The event included performances by artists such as Mental Theo and a fireworks display. Cambuur played a friendly match against Feyenoord, which the visiting club won decisively, 4-1.