Ahoy 50

Schip Ahoy!

The foundation of the current Ahoy complex was laid in 1950. Due to the completion of the reconstruction of the port of Rotterdam, the exhibition 'Rotterdam Ahoy!' was displayed. The exhibition took place on the Land van Hoboken, the place where the Erasmus MC now is located.

Construction of the current Ahoy complex

In 1968, the construction of Ahoy as we know it today, began, including the construction of the sports palace. At the time, the sports palace had a permanent cycling track.

First fair - Femina

The first exhibition (Femina) already took place in September 1970, this was before the official opening of the new Ahoy complex.

Official opening of Ahoy

On January 15, 1971, Ahoy was officially opened by Prince Claus during the Six Days. The sports palace was built with the emphasis on sports but soon grew into the pop temple of the Netherlands!

Ahoy logo 1971 to 1987

First concert - Pink Floyd

None other than Pink Floyd put Ahoy on the map. A legendary name for a new legendary stage.

First Edition Jeugdland in Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy organized a child-oriented event called Jeugdland for the first time. Then the name changed to Kids Adventure and Kdz! Adventure. Nowadays the event is again organized by the Municipality of Rotterdam and is called the Youth Holiday Land. Since 2015, Jeugdvakantieland has been organized by Lodder Events & Productions.

Ice Hockey World Cup in the C-pool

Ice hockey team RN-Bombers was the first team to use the new ice rink in 1971. Four games were played in Sportpaleis Ahoy, including the games Netherlands against Denmark (14-0) and the Netherlands against China (7-0). As a result of these games, the Netherlands was promoted to the B-pool. About 2000 spectators were present at both games of the Dutch team.

First edition of the Ahoy Christmas Circus in 1971

The very first program booklet of the Christmas Circus, which was then still called the Christmas Show.

Honorable visit

A honorable visit by Queen Juliana to the new sports palace.

Professional Tennis World Championship

The American Tennis Player Arthur Ashe won the final against the Dutch Tom Okker 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. He won a cash prize of $ 12,000.

First edition ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

The very first ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was won by Tom Okker. In addition, it was ABN's debut as a sponsor, laying the foundation for the longest-running collaboration between a sponsor and a tournament on the ATP World Tour.

Queen in Rotterdam Ahoy

The British band played no fewer than 25 songs in total for the first time in Rotterdam Ahoy on 17 May 1977, including a cover of Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock'. The tickets were only 20 guilders at the time!

Country & Western festival in Rotterdam Ahoy

In Rotterdam Ahoy, the TROS organized a well-attended Country & Western festival with various well-known artists in the genre. Images of singers Christal Gayle and Tammy Wynette with her daughter and singers Marty Robbins and Conway Twitty.

Frank Zappa in Rotterdam Ahoy

American singer and guitarist Frank Zappa performs with his five-piece band in a sold-out Rotterdam Ahoy. Shots of fragments from Zappa's performance, including Dancin 'Fool and Pinky.

Historical concert Led Zeppelin

The band Led Zeppelin goes on a world tour for the first time in five years and performs in Rotterdam Ahoy. A historic concert, as this was the last concert in the Netherlands of the band Led Zeppelin.

World Cup Hairstyling

Hairdressers from 25 countries had to prove on students' hair that they have mastered the 'free style' haircut model even without their own fixed model. About 60,000 visitors.

Rotterdam Ahoy exists 10 years!

A magazine in honor of the 10th anniversary of Rotterdam Ahoy!

10th edition ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

During the 10th edition of the ABN AMRO WTT, during the final match of the umpire, Connors and Lendl are told that they have to leave the room immediately because of a bomb threat, they left in tennis clothing from Zestienhoven to London.

Lee Towers the king of Ahoy

Everyone knows that Lee Towers is always a welcome guest at Ahoy. Lee Towers has appeared in Ahoy no fewer than 51 times. His first own show was in 1984, before that Lee Towers was already present during the Six Days and the 10 years Ahoy gala (photos).

Ahoy logo 1988 t/m 1996

Look for the differences!

René Froger in Rotterdam Ahoy

René Froger gave a theater tour in 1992 and concluded it in the Rotterdam sports palace Ahoy. With the concerts Froger celebrated his five-year anniversary, on the occasion of which a compilation album, "Sweet hello's and sad goodbyes" was released in the autumn of 1992. On New Year's Eve 1992, Veronica broadcasts a compilation of Frogers concerts in Rotterdam Ahoy.

First edition Nacht van Oranje

The first edition of Nacht van Oranje took place on April 28, 1993. With the following artists on the line-up: André Hazes sr., Arie Ribbens, Bonnie St. Claire, Cock van der Palm, Corry Konings, De Deurzakkers, Hanny, Harry Slinger, De Havenzangers, Henk Wijngaard, Lee Towers, Pierre Kartner and Ria Valk.

20th edition ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

One of the best kept secrets of international tennis is the fact that John McEnroe played his very last singles match in Rotterdam. After his 'retirement' in 1992, he returned to the ATP World Tour one more time, on the 1994 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

First edition InfraTech Nederland

InfraTech stems from a trade fair for trenchless techniques 'No-Dig', which was first organized in 1992 in collaboration with NSTT. A conference was added to the fair, organized by the then NIRIA. After two successful editions of the 'No-Dig' fair in 1994, it was decided to integrate this fair into the InfraTech trade fair, which was first held in 1996.

Expansion Rotterdam Ahoy

On August 26, 1996, the first pile was driven for the new office complex, part of the Plan-Ahoy 2000.

Ahoy logo (1997 to 2006)

De Vrienden van Amstel Live!

The largest pub in the Netherlands has been opening its doors in Rotterdam Ahoy since 1999. From 1999 onwards, each series of the program ended with a concert in Ahoy Rotterdam. Nowadays there is only the concert left of the programm in Ahoy, which takes place annually in January. In recent years it has grown into one of the largest indoor events in the Netherlands, with more than 100,000 visitors per edition.

Deep Purple in Rotterdam Ahoy

Deep Purple performed in Rotterdam Ahoy as part of the 'Concerto Tour'. During the concert a live album was recorded, which was released in 2001 with the name: Live at the Rotterdam Ahoy.

Volumia!

The group's farewell concert with lead singer Xander de Buisonje was held in Rotterdam Ahoy.

30th edition ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

The number of visitors exceeds all expectations during the thirtieth edition. For the first time in history, more than 100,000 visitors came to the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

European Judo Championship in Rotterdam Ahoy

Dennis van der Geest and Mar Huizinga both finished third at the European Judo Championship. Van der Geest thus won his tenth European Championship medal.

Snickers World Championship Skateboarding

This event started as a joke, but thanks to sponsors and support from the City of Rotterdam it has become a serious event. In the end there were 6,000 visitors and 200 skaters.

Ahoy logo 2006 to 2015

George Michael in Rotterdam Ahoy

It was the first time in eighteen years that George Michael would perform live in the Netherlands. The three concerts in Rotterdam Ahoy were  part of his tour 25 Live, a reference to his 25-year career. It was a tour in which Michael played his greatest solo hits, but he also let the audience enjoy songs from his Wham! Period. A Greatest Hits album was released at the end of this tour.

North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam Ahoy

It is the 31st edition of North Sea Jazz, but from 2006 the North Sea Jazz Festival will be held for the first time in Ahoy Rotterdam.

European Veterans table tennis Championship

The ages varied considerably. From 40 years old to 85+. Of course there were different categories.

Erasmus pin presentation during Europort

Peter Niemantsverdriet, former Exhibition Manager of Ahoy Rotterdam, was presented with the Erasmus pin by Alderman Mark Harbers (Economy, Port and Environment) of Rotterdam during the Europort fair. Niemantsverdriet received the award because he has devoted himself more than forty years to international trade fairs, both in and outside Ahoy.

Coldplay in Rotterdam Ahoy

The English band played the first of two concerts in Rotterdam in front of a sold-out hall. With songs from their latest album 'Viva La Vida', but also old songs such as 'Talk' and 'The Scientist' singer Chris Martin and his band members turned it into an intimate concert.

Fleetwood Mac in sold out Rotterdam Ahoy

For the first time in years, Fleetwood Mac returned to the Netherlands with the "Say You Will" tour. The concert in Rotterdam Ahoy was sold out in no time.

World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam Ahoy

Dutch gymnast Epke Zonderland won silver on a rack in the Ahoy Arena. Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander and their daughters were present in the stands. There were 500 volunteers and 6,500 spectators per day.

First edition Safety&Health@Work

The first edition of Safety&Health@Work takes place in Rotterdam Ahoy. From 2016, Safety&Health@Work will be organized by Rotterdam Ahoy as its own production.

Christmas circus Ahoy 40 years anniversary!

In December of 2010, the 40th edition of Christmas Circus Ahoy was held. Here you can see the program book of the 40th edition.

Industrial Maintenance continues as Maintenance NEXT

After 13 editions under the name Industrial Maintenance, the fair will now be renamed Maintenance NEXT.

World Table Tennis Championships in Rotterdam Ahoy

In addition to the valid World Cup Table Tennis, the World Cup wheelchair table tennis took place at the same time. This was a first, never before have these two major tournaments been at the same time and place. The tournament was mainly followed from Asia, where the sport is extremely popular. On average, 250 million Chinese watch the broadcasts.

Neil Diamond in Rotterdam Ahoy

Neil Diamond has been in the music industry for decades with one of his well-known hits "Sweet Caroline". At the age of 70 he gave another concert in Rotterdam Ahoy.

Adidas Ladiesrun for the first time in Rotterdam Ahoy

The Ladiesrun was organized for the fifth time this year, for the first time in Ahoy. 6000 women registered to take part.

Snow Patrol in sold out Rotterdam Ahoy

The Northern Irish band, known for their hit 'Chasing Cars', performed for the first time in Rotterdam Ahoy. Within ten minutes all tickets were sold out.

CUE

Where previously mainly suppliers of theater technology presented themselves on this trade fair, the approximately 90 exhibitors now offer a total overview of technical facilities for indoor and outdoor stages: from visual equipment, lighting and sound technology to (temporary) stages, furniture, decor and hoisting and lifting technology.

40th edition of ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

The 40th edition of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was held in 2013.

10th edition of 100% Tuning

This entire weekend, Rotterdam Ahoy is buzzing with tuning spectacle. Drift shows where the sheets of rubber fly around your ears, hardcore lowriders in battle and extremely tuned dream cars.

First edition InfraTech Duitsland

During the first edition of InfraTech Germany, the infrastructure sector is central in the broadest sense of the word: Ground, Road and Hydraulic Engineering, Water & Wastewater, Public Space and Traffic & Mobility.

BMX World Championships in Rotterdam Ahoy

About 250 elite and 2,500 international challenge riders made Rotterdam the BMX capital of the world in July. There was a BMX museum, BMX cinema and an Expo where you could practice on a mobile BMX track, among other things.

40th edition North Sea Jazz Festival

Mary J. Blige, John Legend and D’Angelo were present at the 40th edition of North Sea Jazz 2015.

European Championship Volleyball Women

In 2015, the record 'most spectators at a volleyball match in the Netherlands' was broken in Rotterdam Ahoy. Nearly 11,000 people saw the final of the European Championship Women: Netherlands - Russia in Rotterdam.

UFC Fightnight in sold out Rotterdam Ahoy

It was the first time that the largest martial arts organization in the world visited our country. Tickets for the fighting spectacle were sold out within a day.

Premier League Darts in Rotterdam Ahoy

For the first time in the Netherlands. Michael van Gerwen won his 2nd Premier League Darts title in this edition by beating Taylor in the final 11-3. Prize money total: £ 725,000.

MTV EMA 2016

The MTV EMAs took place in Rotterdam Ahoy in 2016! The dynamic and international port city of Rotterdam became the host city for one of the largest music events worldwide: MTV EMA 2016. It is the second time that the international award show takes place in Rotterdam and for the third time in the Netherlands. With world artists such as Bruno Mars, Shawn Mendes, Green Day, Martin Garrix & The Weeknd.

Waylon Live in Concert - Top 1000

Radio Veronica's Top 1000 of All Time will be given a concert version in Rotterdam Ahoy. During this concert Waylon shows the best songs in music history, according to Veronica.

Our current logo (since 2017)

Sold out Premier League Darts

Record: Ahoy sold out in 5 minutes (10,000 tickets available).

KPN World Cup Shorttrack

During these championships, two Dutch titles were won. Sjinkie Knecht managed to bring in gold on the 500 meters and in the relay class the Dutch men managed to take the gold home.

25th anniversary Nacht van Oranje

This year - because of the anniversary - it was slightly different than usual: the stage was placed in the middle of Ahoy for the first time, so that the audience was closer and more people could enter the hall. Lee Towers has been the culmination of the highlight of the Night of Orange for 25 years.

KISS in Rotterdam Ahoy

On May 24 the glam rock band KISS will give a show in Rotterdam Ahoy. The performance is the latest in a series of European concerts that the band will give in May 2017.

Glory49 in Rotterdam Ahoy

Rico Verhoeven beats Jamal Ben Saddik.

20th edition of De Vrienden van Amstel Live!

More than 190,000 visitors, a visitor record for the event in Rotterdam Ahoy.

First pile Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center and RT

On Sunday, July 15, 2018, the first pile of the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center was symbolically driven. This happened on the final day of the NN North Sea Jazz Festival.

André Hazes Live in Rotterdam Ahoy

André Hazes his second concert series in Rotterdam Ahoy. He sold out all three concerts and has already made five concerts in Ahoy to his name.

League of Legends European Championship Spring Finals

The final between Origen and G2 Esports was the fastest in European history. The last game was over in 18 minutes. In addition to a coveted cup, G2 Esports won € 80,000 in prize money and a ticket to the Mid Season International, a tournament involving the best teams in the world.

Maintenance NEXT is growing into the network platform for industrial maintenance

During the famous Wooning Six Days of Rotterdam, at the beginning of January in Rotterdam Ahoy, Exhibition Manager Pieter Bas Dujardin presented the renewed concept of Maintenance NEXT 2019. From the pure trade fair that was the event for many years, Maintenance NEXT is growing into the network platform for industrial maintenance.

EO Jongerendag

On May 25, 2019, the EO Youth Day was held for the first time in Rotterdam Ahoy, which was filled with 15,000 visitors. In this EOJD-SHOW you can see what Rotterdam Ahoy looks like, Joram gives you a look from the field, ring 1 and ring 2 of the hall from his scooter and you can see backstage what the changing rooms of the artists look like.

European Championship Volleyball

Of the nine games in Rotterdam, three were played by the Dutch, including the sold-out game against reigning world champion Poland. During this match, the record 'most spectators ever at a volleyball match in the Netherlands' was equaled with 11,000 spectators.

Fiftieth Anniversary Golden Earring

The eighth concert of the The Hague rooted rock band in Rotterdam Ahoy. With this they celebrate their 50th anniversary and fans could enjoy hits such as 'Radar Love' as well as new material.

Davina Michelle - 17 MILJOEN MENSEN

The first concert of Davina Michelle's mini-concert series: an acoustic performance in an empty Ahoy. She gets help every time from guest artists, including DI-RECT, Maan, Snelle, Rolf Sanchez, Emma Heesters, Wulf, Alain Clark and Glen Faria.

Concert van Hoop

On Wednesday 28 October 2020, Bert van Leeuwen will present the 'Concert van Hoop' live from Rotterdam Ahoy. During this concert, among others Miss Montreal, Maan, VanVelzen, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Andre Hazes, Nick & Simon and Elske DeWall sing hopeful songs with which they support the Netherlands in Corona time.

Rotterdam Ahoy expanded with an international conference center and music / theater hall

The Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center (RACC) and the music and theater hall RTM Stage have been completed. With this expansion, Rotterdam Ahoy has 35 extra rooms for (international) conferences and meetings. What is special about RTM Stage is that it serves as a music hall for concerts and as a theater / auditorium.

InfraExperience Online

During the InfraExperience Online event, more than 500 students and young professionals were introduced to the infrastructure sector through discussions with various organizations and an extensive digital knowledge program. In addition, almost 350 matches were made on the InfraExperience Online Platform.

InfraTech Digital

This year, InfraTech took place digitally through the InfraTech Online Network Platform on which the entire knowledge program could be followed digitally. Nevertheless, InfraTech 2021 attracted more than 4000 visitors to the digital platform. With 71 online knowledge sessions that attracted an average of 200 active viewers and more than 1000 online appointments made, InfraTech proved that it is still the largest and most important knowledge platform in the infrastructure sector.