While football may dominate Dutch sports headlines and cycling rules the roads, there is another sport that the Dutch are good at — and it’s about to take center stage in the heart of Rotterdam. From September 20 to 27, 2025, the city will host the final phase of the European Baseball Championship, also known as EuroBaseball 2025, bringing the continent’s top teams to the diamond at the historic Neptunus Familiestadion.
For Dutch sports fans — and especially for the expat community — this is a rare opportunity to witness elite international baseball in their own backyard. And with Team Kingdom of the Netherlands gunning for the gold, local pride will be on the line.
The European Baseball Championship is the premier tournament for national teams across the continent, held every two years under the governance of WBSC Europe. In 2025, Rotterdam has been awarded the honor of hosting Groups A and B of the opening rounds, as well as the entire final round — including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game.
This is not the first time Rotterdam has welcomed international baseball. The city is home to Curaçao Neptunus, one of Europe’s most successful clubs, and has long been a stalwart of Dutch baseball. The Neptunus Family stadium is a fitting home for this event, with professional-grade facilities, international-standard field dimensions, and a loyal local fanbase that knows its baseball.
The Kingdom Team is not only one of the favorites to win — it’s also the most decorated team in European baseball history. Since the inaugural championship in 1954, the Kingdom squad has consistently ranked at the top, winning 24 European titles. In the last edition in 2023, the team finished third, narrowly missing a chance at gold after a tight loss to Spain in the semifinals.
Now, with home-field advantage and a strong lineup blending seasoned pros, top Dutch league players, and rising stars from the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, the Netherlands is determined to climb back to the top of the podium. For local fans, the chance to cheer on their national team in a major tournament at home is a dream come true.
While the Kingdom team is always a contender, the level of competition has never been higher. Among the top teams to watch:
- Italy – Traditional rival and perennial powerhouse. Group C will be hosted in Milan, but expect Italy to go deep into the tournament.
- Spain – The surprise champions of 2023, Spain stunned the Netherlands with a semifinal victory and will be eager to defend their title.
- Germany, Israel, and the Czech Republic – All three have invested heavily in player development and feature rosters with dual-nationality athletes playing in the U.S. minor leagues or top European clubs.
It’s shaping up to be the most competitive European Championship yet — and the battle will unfold on the diamond in Rotterdam.
The venue for this epic tournament is Neptunus Familiestadion, located in Rotterdam-Noord. Built in 1999 and continuously updated, it is one of the crown jewels of Dutch baseball infrastructure. It holds 2,760 spectators, including skyboxes, family sections, and excellent sightlines from every angle. The field dimensions meet all international standards (98 meters to left and right, 120 meters to center), making it fit for the game’s biggest stage.
Curaçao Neptunus, the home club, is a dynasty in Dutch baseball, having won over 20 national titles and multiple European Champions Cups. The stadium is not only functional but steeped in history. Its atmosphere during high-stakes games is electric — knowledgeable fans, rhythmic cheering, and a family-friendly vibe that’s hard to beat.
For expats and newcomers, attending a game at Neptunus is an ideal way to experience a slice of Dutch sporting culture that’s both international and authentic.
Baseball may not be the first sport that comes to mind in the Netherlands, but it has a proud legacy and a bright future — especially with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The sport is growing fast in Europe, and the Netherlands is leading the charge.
Here’s why now is the time to support the game:
- It’s fast, strategic, and family-friendly. Baseball offers nine innings of suspense, athleticism, and drama — all without the aggression of many other sports.
- It reflects the multicultural makeup of the Kingdom. Players hail not only from the Netherlands but also from Curaçao and Aruba — baseball powerhouses in their own right.
- You’re watching stars of tomorrow. Many Kingdom players are prospects in U.S. college programs or international leagues. Seeing them now is like watching early-era soccer stars before they went global.
- It’s affordable and accessible. Compared to other top-level sports events, ticket prices are modest. Early Bird passes are already on sale, with family packages and kids’ discounts widely available.
- Rotterdam is the perfect host. With excellent public transport connections, a vibrant international community, and plenty to do before and after games, it’s the ideal setting for a European sports festival.
How to Join the Action
- Dates: September 20–27, 2025
- Venue: Neptunus Familiestadion, Rotterdam
- Tickets: https://shop.ticketing.cm.com/Euro-Baseball-25/
- Teams in Groups A & B: Netherlands, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Israel, Great Britain, and Poland.
- Knockout Phase: All quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches held in Rotterdam.
With teams traveling in from across Europe and fans expected from Italy, Spain, the UK, and beyond, the stadium promises to be a melting pot of baseball passion. Don’t miss the fan zones, food trucks, music, and the chance to meet players — many of whom take time after games for autographs and selfies. If you’ve never attended a baseball game in the Netherlands — or even if you’re new to the sport — EuroBaseball 2025 is your perfect entry point. You’ll witness world-class talent, support a national team steeped in pride and tradition, and discover a sport that combines excitement, community, and culture in equal measure.
Rotterdam is ready. Neptunus is ready. And Team Kingdom of the Netherlands is more than ready.
So grab your cap, bring your friends, and join the crowd. Let’s make September 2025 a celebration of baseball, together!
Written by John Mahnen