Belgium's World-Class Hockey Stadium
The brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre is a purpose-built facility designed to elevate field hockey in Belgium. Boasting a seating capacity of 10,000, this stadium will host the Belgian Red Lions' home pool matches, crossover games, and the Men's World Cup Grand Finale.
Constructed alongside Wavre's major sports corridor, the arena is located right next to the famous Walibi Belgium amusement park. While the facility is state-of-the-art, its location on the outskirts of Wavre means transport planning is crucial to avoid heavy traffic on local roads.
How to Reach Belfius Hockey Arena
Wavre is situated in Walloon Brabant, about 30 km southeast of Brussels. Here are your primary transit options:
đ Trains from Brussels
The most reliable route is taking the Belgian regional train (S8 line) from Brussels-Schuman or Brussels-Luxembourg directly to Wavre or Bierges-Walibi station. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes roughly 35 minutes.
đ Matchday Shuttles
During the World Cup, free shuttle buses run continuously from Wavre's main train station (Gare de Wavre) directly to the Belfius Hockey Arena gates starting 2 hours before the first match and ending 2 hours after the final whistle.
đ Driving & Highways
If driving, take the E411 highway (Brussels - Namur) and exit at Exit 6 (Wavre). Follow the signs for Walibi Belgium. Expect significant delays on the exit ramps during evening match schedules.
â ď¸ Avoid the Matchday Traps: Local Tips
- Parking Jam: The arena is close to the Walibi amusement park. On hot summer days, Walibi traffic mixes with hockey traffic, blocking the main avenue. We recommend booking parking vouchers online in advance or parking in the Brussels outskirts and taking the train.
- Chilly Drafts: Because Wavre is situated in a relatively flat, open valley region, the evening matches at Belfius Arena can get quite cold and drafty. Always bring a windbreaker or light jacket, even if daytime temperatures were warm.
- Cashless Payments: Like most modern arenas, Belfius Hockey Arena is a cashless venue. Food kiosks and merchandise stalls accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, and local Bancontact.
Where to Stay in Wavre & Brussels
Wavre itself has limited hotel capacity. To secure the best accommodation, consider these options:
- Stay in Brussels: This is highly recommended. Booking a hotel near Brussels East (European Quarter) gives you direct access to the S8 train lines to Wavre, along with hundreds of restaurants and sightseeing options.
- Wavre/Louvain-la-Neuve: A university town located 5 km south of Wavre, Louvain-la-Neuve offers modern hotels, student-budget accommodation, and a lively pedestrian center.
- Local Guesthouses: Look for local B&Bs and Airbnb accommodations in the countryside towns of Walloon Brabant for a quiet, scenic stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Belfius Hockey Arena?
The arena is situated at Avenue de la Toison d'Or, 1300 Wavre, Belgium. It is located close to the popular Walibi Belgium theme park.
Where should I park on matchdays?
The arena has limited on-site parking. Fans are advised to utilize the dedicated overflow parking lots at Walibi Belgium or take regional trains directly into Wavre and use the shuttle service.
How to travel from Brussels to Belfius Hockey Arena?
You can take direct regional trains from Brussels-Luxembourg or Brussels-Schuman station to Wavre station, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes. From Wavre station, shuttle buses run directly to the arena on matchdays.
Is the arena covered or open?
Belfius Hockey Arena is a brand-new facility featuring a covered main grandstand, but side seating areas are exposed to the weather. Expect cool evening drafts due to the open surrounding geography of Wavre.