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Free marathon fanzone set for Ahoyplein Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten sports 02 April 2025

ROTTERDAM, 1 April 2025 – A new fanzone will be set up at Ahoyplein in Rotterdam-Zuid to celebrate the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Locals and visitors will be treated to free activities, music, and a brunch on Sunday 13 April.

Ahoyplein to host marathon fanzone during Rotterdam event

Rotterdam-Zuid will play host to a new fanzone during the 44th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, scheduled for Sunday 13 April. The fanzone will be located at Ahoyplein and will be open from 10:00 to 14:00. It will offer a variety of free activities for all ages, including live music, games, workshops, and a spring castle for children.

The initiative has been organised by ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, in collaboration with several local partners including Hart van Zuid, Rotterdam Ahoy, Sportbedrijf Rotterdam, winkelcentrum Zuidplein, and Theater Zuidplein. The aim is to provide a festive environment to cheer on the marathon runners as they pass through Rotterdam-Zuid, while also encouraging greater participation from the local community.

From left to right: Denise Jacobs (winkelcentrum Zuidplein), Daniëlle Everling (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam), Loes van der Weerd (Hart van Zuid), Natalja Benjamin (Rotterdam Ahoy), Paul Dirksen (ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy), and Edwin de Koning (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam) during a planning meeting for the Ahoyplein fanzone.

Community-driven celebration in Zuid

Paul Dirksen, General Manager at ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, expressed a desire to see the marathon grow even more inclusive of Zuid in the future. “It is encouraging to see how the marathon manifests itself here on Zuid. I secretly hope we will one day host the start or finish line of this beautiful running event. For now, the fanzone is our way of contributing and showing that something is always happening on Zuid,” he said.

The event also aims to reduce crowding along the traditional route and create a more even distribution of spectators across the city. According to Dirksen, the event has been designed to offer something for everyone, from cultural activities to sport and food. “We want to involve residents and let them enjoy this happening. Everyone is welcome.”

Activities and attractions

Visitors to the fanzone can expect a wide range of attractions, including a DJ, live music, children’s crafts, and a football activity known as ‘Panna Knock Out’. A brunch will be provided by ibis Styles, while the atmosphere is intended to reflect both cultural diversity and community spirit.

Local outreach through flyers

To inform residents, flyers are being distributed door-to-door in the Hart van Zuid area in the lead-up to the event. The organisers hope this will encourage as many locals as possible to attend and take part in the day’s programme.

Updates and further information are available via the Instagram account @HartvanZuid010.

How to get to Ahoyplein

Ahoyplein is located in the Hart van Zuid area of Rotterdam, near Rotterdam Ahoy and Zuidplein. It is easily accessible by metro (Zuidplein station), bus and car. The area is known for its shopping centre, theatres and proximity to the Zuiderpark.

RET gives away 100 tickets for City Run Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten sports 07 March 2025

ROTTERDAM, 7 March 2025 – In the lead-up to the NN Marathon Rotterdam, runners have the opportunity to take part in the City Run for free. RET is offering 100 entry tickets for this 4.2 km run, which finishes on the Coolsingel.

City Run Rotterdam as an alternative running experience

The NN Marathon Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands’ largest running events. For those who find the full marathon distance too demanding, the City Run provides an accessible alternative. Covering a distance of 4.2 km, the event is open to both experienced and novice runners. Participants aged 12 and above can take part and enjoy the unique atmosphere of marathon weekend.

Free participation via RET

RET, Rotterdam’s main public transport operator, is giving away 100 free entry tickets for the City Run, which takes place on Saturday, 12 April 2025. Those interested can apply for a promotional code, which allows them to register for free via the official NN Marathon Rotterdam website.

Conditions for participation

To claim a free entry, participants must sign up for ‘RET Altijd iets extra’s’. Upon registration, they will receive a unique code, which can only be redeemed on the NN Marathon Rotterdam website. The offer is valid until 31 March 2025 or while supplies last.

Tickets obtained through this offer cannot be exchanged for cash and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. RET reserves the right to modify or terminate the promotion at any time.

You can sign up here:
https://www.ret.nl/extra/marathon.html

Location and accessibility

The City Run Rotterdam starts in the city centre and finishes on the Coolsingel, the iconic finishing location of the NN Marathon Rotterdam. The event area is easily accessible by public transport. Metro and tram lines stop nearby, and participants are encouraged to use public transport to avoid congestion.

Recap: ABN AMRO Open 2025 crowns first Spanish champion

Bryan van Putten sports 12 February 2025

ROTTERDAM, 12 February 2025 – The 52nd edition of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam Ahoy concluded with a landmark victory, as Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in tournament history. The event also set a new attendance record, drawing nearly 142,000 visitors over nine days.

_{Photo credit: abnamro-open.nl}

Alcaraz claims ABN AMRO Open title

Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the 52nd winner of the ABN AMRO Open, held at Rotterdam Ahoy. In a dramatic final, he defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. The victory was particularly notable as Alcaraz became the first-ever Spanish champion of the tournament.

Following the match, Alcaraz took a moment to absorb his achievement, turning around on centre court before spotting his name illuminated in bright letters above the venue.

ABN AMRO Open 2025 aftermovie

Record-breaking attendance

The 2025 edition of the ABN AMRO Open drew 141,894 spectators, marking a new record for the tournament. Over the course of nine days, fans gathered in Rotterdam Ahoy to witness top-tier tennis action, reinforcing the event's position as a key fixture in the ATP Tour calendar.

ABN AMRO extends sponsorship

Ahead of the final, ABN AMRO and Rotterdam Ahoy extended their long-standing partnership by signing a new three-year sponsorship agreement. The collaboration, which began in 1974, is now the longest-running title sponsorship on the ATP Tour.

Historic doubles and wheelchair victories

In the doubles competition, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori became the first Italian duo to win the ABN AMRO Open, defeating Sander Gillé and Jan Zielinski in a closely contested final (6-2, 4-6, 10-6).

Meanwhile, in the wheelchair singles category, 54-year-old Stéphane Houdet secured the title after defeating Spain’s Martín de la Puente (6-3, 6-4). The match highlighted a remarkable generational gap, with Houdet taking the opportunity in the absence of defending champion Alfie Hewett.

Daniil Medvedev returns to ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten sports 25 October 2024

Professional Sports

ROTTERDAM, 25 October 2024 – Daniil Medvedev, 2023 champion of the ABN AMRO Open, will return to Rotterdam in February to compete once again. His participation follows that of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, marking three top-5 players confirmed for the 52nd edition.

Medvedev returns for 2025 ABN AMRO Open

Daniil Medvedev, who claimed victory at the ABN AMRO Open in 2023, is set to compete in the tournament’s 52nd edition, scheduled to take place from 1 to 9 February 2025 at Rotterdam Ahoy. His participation, joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, makes Medvedev the third player from the current global top-5 to confirm his attendance at this renowned Rotterdam tennis event.

Tournament director Richard Krajicek commented on Medvedev’s return, noting the high calibre of the player. “Daniil Medvedev is a former world number one, a Grand Slam champion, and a past tournament winner here,” he said. Krajicek also referenced the competition Medvedev presents to Sinner and Alcaraz, recalling Medvedev's victory over Sinner in the 2023 final.

A hardcourt specialist

Daniil Medvedev has shown notable success on hardcourt surfaces, the same on which the ABN AMRO Open is played. Of his 20 professional titles, 18 have been achieved on hardcourt, including his 2021 US Open win. Medvedev has also reached several Grand Slam finals, with runner-up finishes at the US Open (2019, 2023) and the Australian Open (2021, 2022, 2024), reinforcing his standing in men’s tennis.

In Rotterdam, Medvedev will make his sixth appearance, having reached a career high here with his title win in 2023. That year, he secured victories over top opponents, including Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Botic van de Zandschulp, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov, and Jannik Sinner in the final.

High-profile players confirmed

Following the announcement of world number one Jannik Sinner and second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, Medvedev’s inclusion adds another top talent to the field. Richard Krajicek shared his enthusiasm for this year’s line-up, mentioning that “these are the last two ABN AMRO Open winners, and between them, the champions of all four Grand Slams this year. I am thrilled to have such a high-level roster for the 2025 edition.”

The 52nd ABN AMRO Open

The ABN AMRO Open will run for nine days from 1 to 9 February 2025 at Rotterdam Ahoy. In addition to hosting elite tennis, the tournament will offer a programme that organisers describe as ‘On Top of Tennis,’ where visitors can explore a range of activities. The event aims to merge top-tier tennis with business networking, culinary experiences, sporting activities, and community initiatives.

Event location and directions

The ABN AMRO Open takes place at Rotterdam Ahoy, located in Rotterdam’s South district. Ahoy is accessible by public transport and car, with parking facilities available nearby. The venue is near Zuidplein metro station, connecting visitors to the city centre and other Rotterdam locations within minutes.