Helmond Sport bid farewell to their beloved Stadion De Braak on February 24, 2020, with echoes of the famous clublied, 'Vur welleke club bende gai,' resounding through its stands one last time. The club is stepping forward as they embrace change, moving to their new home, the GS Staalwerken Stadion, following the closing of this historic venue, which has been the heart of Helmond's football culture since its inauguration in 1967. This not only marks the end of an era but also the beginning of new aspirations and opportunities for the team and its loyal supporters.
On February 21, 2020, Helmond Sport played their final home match at De Braak, winning decisively against Vitesse with a score of 3-0. Yet, it was the official rematch against FC Emmen just days later, on February 24, where the Helmonders unfortunately lost 1-2. Nevertheless, the focus for many was not solely on the score but on the fond memories accumulated throughout the years at the stadium.
Helmond Sport has gained much from the character and history of De Braak. Hans Meeuwsen, who played for the first team from 1982 and continues to be seen on the stands as a regular supporter, shares the nostalgia: "Toen ik hier in 1982 kwam voetballen, was dat in de eredivisie. Dit stadion was laagbouw en had golfplaten. Ik heb De Braak zien groeien tot wat nu het is. Nieuwbouw werd telkens uitgesteld, alleen nu is het zover," he recounts, reflecting on the evolution of the stadium over the decades and the passion connected to so many cherished football moments.
Memorable experiences flood back during these farewell occurences, whether as players or supporters. Fans vividly recall matches where the stadium buzzed with excitement, particularly during the club's promotional battles. Erik van Kilsdonk, president of the supporters' association, expressed, "Ik heb hier zoveel plezier beleefd. Zo hebben we met de club meerdere keren gestreden om promotie, dat blijft me altijd bij. […] Wat een typische Helmond Sporter is, is moeilijk te beschrijven. Dat zit in ons DNA."
Anticipation for the new stadium is high, though some feel nostalgic about leaving De Braak. The GS Staalwerken Stadion will offer slightly fewer seats, accommodating 3,600 fans compared to the 4,200 at De Braak. Despite this, the club aims to provide improved comfort and atmosphere, fostering stronger connections between players and fans. The construction is purposefully compact, with future expansion plans to allow for growth as the club develops.
"We willen meedoen aan de play-offs. Promoveren kan een tijdje duren, maar in het nieuwe stadion maken we zeker kans," van Kilsdonk emphasizes, underscoring the team's ambitions as they look to solidify their place and seek promotion. The club hopes the new venue will invigorate their performance on the pitch.
The new stadium will also feature hybrid grass, combining natural and artificial elements to support the playing surface. This aligns with the Eredivisie's regulations mandatorily requiring natural grass from the upcoming season, prompting the club to strategize for training venues due to overlapping needs for both the youth teams and the local amateur football club.
Looking back on the history marked by Stadion De Braak and the wave of emotion surrounding its closure, it is an undeniable chapter for both the players and supporters. But as Helmond Sport turns the page, there is renewed hope and aspiration within its community for what lies ahead. With every departure, there is also opportunity and growth, and as they step onto the pitch at GS Staalwerken Stadion starting March 7, 2020, Helmond Sport not only inherits new walls but also the dreams of many generations.