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Elindus Arena

Elindus Arena is a multi-purpose stadium located in Waregem, Belgium, primarily used for association football matches and serving as the home ground for the professional club SV Zulte Waregem.^[1]^[2] Originally opened in 1957 as Regenboogstadion—named after the rainbow jersey of the 1957 UCI Road World Championships held nearby—the venue initially featured an athletics track and had a capacity of around 8,500 spectators.^[1] In 2021, it was renamed Elindus Arena following a sponsorship agreement with the local company Elindus.^[1] Between 2014 and 2018, the stadium underwent significant reconstruction to convert it into a football-specific facility, including the removal of the athletics track, construction of a new south stand, rebuilding of the north stand, and addition of covered seating across all sides.^[1] The current capacity stands at 12,414 spectators, distributed as follows: 3,823 in the main west stand, 2,540 in the east stand, 2,215 in the south stand, 2,710 in the north stand (including standing areas), 962 in the away section, and 164 in the Zuidercorner.^[1]^[3] Key features include a heated natural grass pitch, floodlights, and a distinctive pedestrian bridge (Regenboogbrug) providing access for away fans from the nearby train station.^[1] Situated at Zuiderlaan 17 in Waregem, the arena is conveniently located near the city center and has hosted notable events beyond club matches, such as the finish line of the 1957 Cycling World Championships.^[1]^[2] As of 2025, it meets UEFA standards for European competitions and remains a central hub for local football culture, supporting SV Zulte Waregem's activities in the Jupiler Pro League.^[1]^[4]

History

Construction and opening

The construction of the Regenboogstadion began in 1953 on initiative of the local authorities in Waregem, Belgium, who had started acquiring land for a future sports park as early as 1952 to address the need for a multi-purpose venue suitable for various athletic events.^[1] The project involved excavating ponds to mitigate waterlogging issues in the low-lying area and using the displaced soil to raise the site, with the main stand and ticket offices completed in 1956.^[1] Designed as a versatile facility, it featured basic infrastructure including an athletics track encircling the central field, open terraces for spectators, and a single covered stand on the west side, with minimal enclosed areas to accommodate both track cycling and field sports like football.^[1]^[5] The stadium was inaugurated on August 18, 1957, coinciding with the professional road race of the 1957 UCI Road World Championships, for which it served as the finish venue after hosting the amateur event the previous day.^[1]^[6] This event marked the stadium's original purpose as a key site for international cycling, with a temporary wooden stand and a 120-meter bridge over one of the ponds constructed specifically to allow cyclists to cross the finish line dramatically.^[1] Named Regenboogstadion—or "Rainbow Stadium"—it drew inspiration from the rainbow jersey awarded to world cycling champions, symbolizing the prestige of the championships won by Belgian cyclist Rik Van Steenbergen.^[5]^[6] At its opening, the venue had an initial capacity of approximately 8,500 spectators, with the main stand seating around 6,800 and additional open terracing.^[6] This setup supported its role as a multi-purpose arena, quickly becoming the home ground for local football club KSV Waregem while retaining facilities for other sports.^[5] Subsequent renovations in later decades expanded and modernized the structure to meet evolving standards.^[1]

Renovations

The renovations of Elindus Arena, originally known as Regenboogstadion, began in the summer of 2014 to upgrade the facility to UEFA standards for hosting European competitions, transforming it from a multi-purpose venue with an athletics track into a dedicated football stadium.^[7] The project was phased over four years, focusing on structural improvements to enhance spectator intimacy, safety, and amenities while increasing capacity.^[6] In the first phase, from June to November 2014, the south stand, including the southeast corner, was demolished and rebuilt as a new all-seater structure accommodating approximately 2,500 spectators, which necessitated the removal of the surrounding athletics track to bring the stands closer to the pitch.^[1] This work, completed by early 2015, marked a significant shift toward a more enclosed, football-specific layout.^[8] The temporary north stand was then demolished in 2015 to prepare for its replacement.^[7] The second phase commenced in the first half of 2016 with the construction of a new covered north stand, providing 2,710 standing places primarily for ultras supporters, mirroring the design of the south stand but without integrated corners.^[1] Between 2017 and 2018, the final major addition was a corner building in the southwest section, featuring luxury boxes and hospitality suites with 164 seats, further modernizing the venue's premium offerings.^[7] Upon completion in 2018, the overall capacity reached 12,414, with a mix of 9,540 seats and 2,710 standing spots, significantly improving the stadium's atmosphere and compliance for higher-level matches.^[1] The total project cost approximately €25 million, funded through a combination of club resources and local government support following municipal approval of the redevelopment plans.^[9]^[8] These upgrades built upon the arena's foundational structure from its 1957 opening as a multi-sport facility.^[6]

Renaming

The Regenboogstadion name was retained from the stadium's opening in 1957 until 2021, originating from its initial use as the finish line for the UCI Road World Championships in cycling, where the rainbow jersey awarded to the winner inspired the "rainbow stadium" moniker.^[10]^[1] On February 1, 2021, SV Zulte Waregem and the city of Waregem officially announced the renaming of the stadium to Elindus Arena, effective from the 2021-22 season, as part of a naming rights agreement with Elindus, a Belgian energy supplier specializing in electricity and gas for businesses.^[11]^[12]^[13] Elindus, which had been a partner of the club for several years, committed to relocating its headquarters to the arena and supporting the club's "Essevee 2.0" redevelopment project.^[11]^[13] The sponsorship deal was structured as a minimum 10-year partnership, providing financial stability to the club amid its ambitions for facility upgrades and long-term sustainability, with options for extensions beyond the initial term.^[11]^[12]^[14] To preserve historical ties, the surrounding area was redesignated as Regenboogpark.^[13] Public and fan reactions to the renaming were mixed, with earlier proposals sparking protests and social media speculation due to strong attachment to the original name's cycling legacy, though the deal was ultimately accepted for its financial benefits to the club.^[11] Club officials expressed pride in the partnership, noting its role in enhancing the venue's modern appeal.^[13]

Facilities

Capacity and seating

The Elindus Arena has a current total capacity of 12,414 spectators, consisting of 9,704 seated places and 2,710 standing places.^[3] This configuration prioritizes safety and comfort while accommodating a mix of seating arrangements across its four main stands. The main west stand, known as Tribune 1 or the hoofdtribune, offers 3,823 seated places. Adjacent in the south-west corner, the Zuidercorner provides 164 additional premium seats in dedicated VIP areas and hospitality boxes.^[1] The east stand, or Tribune 3 (vijvertribune), provides 2,540 seated places with mixed viewing options. The north terrace, Tribune 2 (sfeertribune), is a standing area with 2,710 places, primarily used by ultras supporters for an energetic atmosphere. The south stand, Tribune 4, includes 2,215 seated places in the family section and 962 seated places allocated for away fans.^[3] To comply with UEFA requirements for European matches, the stadium can be configured as an all-seater venue by converting or restricting the standing areas in the north terrace, enabling it to meet Category 4 standards for hosting group-stage games.^[3] Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, parking, and dedicated seating areas for disabled spectators, alongside family zones in the south stand to enhance inclusivity.^[15] Renovations between 2014 and 2018 reconfigured the arena from a pre-renovation capacity of around 13,000—largely standing areas with an athletics track—to the current safer, more regulated setup with covered stands and improved spectator facilities.^[7]

Pitch and amenities

The Elindus Arena features a natural grass pitch measuring 105 meters by 68 meters, standard dimensions for association football, which is heated to ensure consistent playability across seasons.^[16]^[1] As part of extensive renovations completed between 2014 and 2018, the stadium received a modern floodlighting system to support evening fixtures and high-quality television broadcasts, transforming the venue from its former athletics configuration to a dedicated football facility.^[1] Key amenities include electronic scoreboards for real-time match information and a public address system for announcements. Hospitality offerings are centered in the south-west corner, where a dedicated building constructed in 2017–2018 houses 16 luxury skyboxes across the stadium, with the corner section providing 164 seats in premium configurations for 12 to 20 guests each; these are complemented by club lounges and on-site fan shops offering merchandise and dining options prepared by in-house caterers.^[17]^[2]^[18] The venue also includes adjacent training pitches for team preparation and medical facilities meeting Belgian professional league requirements for player safety and care.^[19]

Usage

Association football

Elindus Arena has served as the primary home ground for association football since its inception, initially hosting matches for local club KSV Waregem, which played there until its dissolution amid financial difficulties in 2001. Following the merger of KSV Waregem with Zultse VV to form SV Zulte Waregem in 2001, the stadium became the main venue for the newly established club, which has remained its primary tenant. This transition marked a continuity in the arena's role within Belgian football, with SV Zulte Waregem competing in the Jupiler Pro League and lower divisions while utilizing the facility for home games.^[20]^[21] The stadium has hosted several notable football matches, including UEFA Europa League group stage fixtures during the 2017–18 season, such as the home encounter against OGC Nice on September 14, 2017, where SV Zulte Waregem faced a 1–5 defeat. The club has also achieved success in domestic competitions, appearing in Belgian Cup finals and securing victories in 2006 and 2017, though these finals were played at neutral venues. Post-renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 12,414, though average attendances have typically been lower, around 8,000 as of the 2024–25 season in the Challenger Pro League.^[22]^[1] Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Elindus Arena features dedicated supporter sections, particularly the north terrace occupied by "Essevee" ultras groups, who create an intense environment through choreographed tifos, chants, and pre-match rituals that energize the crowd and rally the team. These traditions, including coordinated displays and persistent drumming, have become hallmarks of SV Zulte Waregem matches, fostering a strong sense of community among fans.^[23] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected football operations at the arena from 2020 to 2022, with matches initially played behind closed doors and later under capacity restrictions of up to 50% as part of broader Belgian public health measures, reducing typical attendances and altering the usual fan experience. These limitations, which varied by season and government guidelines, included periods of zero spectators in late 2020 and partial reopenings in 2021 before fuller access in 2022.^[24]^[25]

Other events

The Elindus Arena, originally constructed as the Regenboogstadion with an integrated cycling track, was purpose-built to host major cycling competitions and served as the finish line for the 1957 UCI Road World Championships in Waregem, Belgium. On August 18, 1957, the elite men's road race concluded at the venue after 12 laps of a 23.8-kilometer circuit, totaling 285.6 kilometers, with Belgian cyclist Rik van Steenbergen claiming victory in a sprint finish ahead of France's Louison Bobet and André Darrigade.^[26]^[1] This inaugural event marked the stadium's debut as a multi-sport facility, drawing international attention to Waregem's sporting infrastructure. Following its opening, the arena has seen sporadic utilization for cycling events, leveraging its location in Waregem for race finishes rather than track-based activities after the cycling circuit was removed during renovations. In recent years, it has been associated with the conclusion of local professional races, such as Dwars door Vlaanderen, which has finished in Waregem since 2017, including the 2025 edition covering 184.2 kilometers from Roeselare. The event's proximity to the arena allows it to serve as a key spectator and hospitality hub, hosting pre- and post-race activities like VIP breakfasts and grandstand viewing.^[27] Beyond sports, the arena accommodates occasional non-sporting events, including community festivals, corporate gatherings, and small-scale music performances, though these are limited by its primary role as a football venue. The official club website highlights its suitability for company events, meetings, teambuilding sessions, and private celebrations, utilizing hospitality areas for such purposes. In the 2010s and early 2020s, it hosted music events like the 2020 performance by Belgian hip-hop group 5NAPBACK. Pitch protection measures, such as temporary coverings and restricted access, are enforced during non-football uses to preserve the playing surface for SV Zulte Waregem's matches.^[3]^[28] Renovations between 2014 and 2018 enhanced the arena's versatility by adding modern stands and facilities, facilitating safer and more efficient hosting of diverse events.^[1]

Location and access

Site and surroundings

The Elindus Arena is situated at Zuiderlaan 17, 8790 Waregem, in the West Flanders province of Belgium.^[2] Its precise geographic coordinates are 50°52′59″N 3°25′45″E, placing it approximately 1 km south of Waregem's city center on the southern edge of the urban area.^[29]^[30] The immediate surroundings form an urban-residential neighborhood, characterized by residential buildings, local schools such as the nearby VCLB Weimeersen campus on Zuiderlaan 42, and various shops including supermarkets and bakeries within a 1 km radius.^[31] The Waregem railway station lies about 1 km to the north, contributing to the area's accessibility while maintaining a community-oriented environment.^[29] The stadium site includes adjacent parking lots and training fields, forming part of the broader sports park established in the mid-1950s.^[1] Environmentally, it is integrated into the Leie River valley, with proximity to the river itself and local green spaces such as the neighboring Regenboogpark, enhancing its connection to Waregem's natural landscape. As of November 2025, the adjacent Regenboogpark is undergoing expansion and renovation works, started in October 2025, to be completed by 2026, improving public green spaces.^[29]^[32]^[33]

Transportation

The Elindus Arena is served by public transportation operated by De Lijn, the regional bus company in Flanders, with several lines connecting to Waregem station, approximately a 15-minute walk from the stadium. A distinctive pedestrian bridge, the Regenboogbrug, provides direct access for fans, including away supporters, from the train station to the stadium; it was renovated in 2024.^[6]^[34] Visitors can take intercity (IC) trains to Waregem station, followed by a short walk or bus ride; nearby bus stops include Waregem Scholen Westerlaan, about 4 minutes away on foot.^[35] Relevant De Lijn bus lines passing near the arena include 13, 58, 75, 851, and 852, providing direct access from surrounding areas.^[36]^[37] For those arriving by car, the stadium is reachable via the E17 motorway toward Waregem, with on-site parking available at Parking Expo directly adjacent to the venue, offering 447 spaces including 11 designated for persons with disabilities and 4 electric vehicle charging stations.^[3] The facility supports general vehicle access without specified fees for standard parking, though availability may be limited on matchdays.^[3] Cycling and walking are encouraged due to the arena's central location in Waregem, roughly 800 meters or a 5-minute walk from the city center's Markt square, with pedestrian-friendly paths available.^[6] Bike racks are provided at the stadium for secure parking during events. (from Queen's Club Festival post referencing bike parking at Elindus Arena) On matchdays, transportation logistics emphasize the venue's proximity to public transit and local roads for smooth arrival, though specific shuttle services or road closures are not routinely detailed in advance. Accessibility features for disabled visitors include wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking lots, with designated drop-off areas near the main gates and ramps leading to seating sections.^[15] The central positioning of the arena further facilitates ease of access across all modes.^[38]

References

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Elindus Arena (Regenboogstadion) - StadiumDB.com
After reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, the stadium has a football-specific layout with a capacity of 12,414 spectators. On the west side is the main stand, ...
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Zulte Waregem - Stadium - Elindus Arena - Transfermarkt
Elindus Arena. Total capacity: 12.698. Standing room: 2.710. including 2.710 ... Elindus Arena. Zuiderlaan 17. 8790 Waregem. Belgium. Tel: +32 (0)56 44 00 42.
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Vijf jaar later, in 1957, mocht Waregem het Wereldkampioenschap Wielrennen op de weg organiseren. Rik Van Steenbergen reed toen als eerste via de aangelegde ...Missing: inauguration date
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Elindus Arena, located in Waregem, Belgium, is a modern stadium known for its vibrant atmosphere and community involvement. Home to the SV Zulte Waregem ...
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Amenities - Within a radius of 1km ; 10. Supermarkets (including Ekoplaza ; 9. Bakeries (including Thomas Bracke ; 6. Butchers (including Renmans ...
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home of Zulte Waregem, a 12400-capacity stadium with a rich history and strong local identity.