1919
When the city of Antwerp applied to host the 1920 Olympics in 1919, the Beerschot AC accommodation was immediately chosen. Over the years, it had become a gem, and was so much to the liking of the International Olympic Committee that president Pierre De Coubertin opted for the stadium on the Kiel.
So two years after the end of World War I, Beerschot hosted the VII Olympiad, and the Beerschot stadium was officially renamed Olympic Stadium. In addition to the already existing main stand, a slightly smaller ‘small stand’ was built on the opposite side, with wooden boxes. Behind the goals, in the standing areas (‘the people's pitches’), plaster Greek columns appeared, which were again demolished three years later. Four towers completed the setting.
During the 1920 Olympic Games, the Olympic flag with five rings was presented for the first time as well as the Olympic oaths. For the financial picture, the Belgian Olympic Committee and the city of Antwerp also appealed to the Beerschot administration, which consisted mainly of counts and other dignitaries.
Today
In 2000, the stadium underwent a major renovation. It became a fully covered venue for 12,771 spectators, with seating only.
To this day, our Mannekes still play at the Olympic stadium.
