Do I need to buy tickets in advance or is entry free for 12 Stars CC matches?
For most local club matches at Stars Arena, there are no advance tickets ā entry is free or handled at the gate. Fans usually just show up or sign in on match day. If a special event has a set fee, the club will announce it ahead of time (often a nominal ā¬5āā¬10). In short, check the clubās website, but generally you can plan on free or very low-cost entry.
What is the exact address and how do I get to 12 Stars Cricket Club?
The ground is at Gasthuishofweg 30, 1981 Zemst (Hofstade), Belgium . Itās about 15 km north of Brussels. By car, take the A12/E19 and exit at Zemst. Follow signs for Hofstade. Parking is in the marked lot beside the complex . By train, get off at Zemst station (in Weerde) and then taxi or a 30-min walk/bike along local paths. De Lijn buses from Mechelen or Leuven also serve Zemst and Hofstade, with stops a few blocks from the park.
Is there onsite parking, and is it free?
Yes, there is a parking lot designated for the sports park. Parking is generally free for match visitors, but you must use the official lot. The club specifically instructs not to park on the grass or by the playing field . Overflow street parking is possible nearby. Always arrive early on busy match days to find a spot.
What is the seating like and where are the best places to watch?
Seating is mostly unreserved. The ground has a capacity of about 1,000 , with a few small covered stands on either side of the pitch. These are the only permanent seats. Most spectators bring their own chair or stand on the grassy edges. For the best view, try to sit or stand behind the batting end (so you see bowler and batsman in profile) and near the center of the boundary. There are no obstructed views, but the stands fill up ā come early to grab the covered spots if itās sunny or hot.
Are there any restrictions on bringing cameras or mobile phones?
Cameras and phones for personal use are generally allowed. You can film or take photos of the match. During VIP ceremonies, the club may restrict photographing of certain individuals, but for regular games there is no ban. Just be mindful not to interfere with play: photographers should stay behind boundaries.
Can I smoke or vape inside the cricket ground?
No ā smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited everywhere on the grounds . This was enforced from the opening event onward, and there are no designated smoking areas inside the venue. If you need to smoke, step off the property.
What food and drink facilities are available at the venue?
Next to the pitch is a small clubhouse with a snack bar. On match days they sell basic items ā soft drinks, water, sandwiches, chips, and often beer or wine. At the 2025 opening, the canteen offered tea, coffee and snacks from 2pm . Thereās no full restaurant at the ground, but you can buy refreshments there. Expect cash-only or simple card machines. Alternatively, nearby restaurants and snack bars (Hofstaye next door, āt Hof CafĆ©, etc.) provide full meals.
Are there restroom facilities for visitors?
Yes, the venue has toilets. During matches you can use the restrooms in or by the clubhouse building. These are basic sports-park facilities. If not obvious, just ask any staff member. (On very large event days, there are also usually portable toilets on site.)
How early should I arrive before a match starts?
Arrive 15ā30 minutes early. Matches often start right on schedule, and youāll want time to park and find a seat. For major events, the club requested attendees be on-site approximately half an hour before the listed start time . For casual league games, 15 minutes early is usually enough.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
The ground is fairly flat and was newly constructed. Sidewalks and entrances appear to be at ground level. However, the club has not published formal accessibility info. We recommend emailing the club if you need features like wheelchair ramps or accessible restrooms. The main seating area and pavilion should be reachable by a ramp. In any case, staff are typically helpful in accommodating guests with mobility needs.
Can I bring my child, and are there activities for kids?
Yes ā children are welcome and often encouraged. The club frequently sets up family-friendly games (the inauguration had a bouncy castle ). The atmosphere is informal, so kids can play or walk around between overs (with supervision). Just bring any equipment they need (water, snacks). The ground is spacious and safe for families.
What are the maximum capacity and ticket pricing tiers?
The venue can hold around 1,000 spectators in total . Generally there is only one tier of seating (no segregated sections), so all tickets (if needed) are the same price. Normally, however, tickets are not used for club games ā either admission is free or thereās a single entry fee. If an event does have tickets, check official announcements for the exact cost (itās usually very low, often under ā¬10).
Is the playing surface grass or synthetic, and does the ground have lights for night matches?
Stars Arena is a natural-grass cricket field . It is equipped with floodlights, so matches can be held in the evening. The pitch itself is standard clay/grass as used for cricket (not astroturf). The outfield is well-kept turf. Having floodlights means T20 games can start around dusk if needed, but games will not continue past curfew (typically no late-night play beyond 9ā10 pm).
When was Stars Arena Hofstade officially opened?
The stadium was officially inaugurated on March 30, 2025. This grand opening was marked by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and was reported by the club press . Since then, the venue has been in use for the 2025 season onwards.
Does the ground host any sports besides cricket?
Yes. In autumn and winter months the fields are used by the local football club, FC Verbroedering Hofstade. In fact, the new cricket ground is co-located with the football facilities and shared by the clubs . Cricket season is in spring/summer, while football pitches occupy the space in the other half of the year.
