Ajax formerly had a 'museum' in its stadium some distance from central Amsterdam. The new visitors' centre is within walking distance of popular areas of the city and easily accessible via public transport to team supporters and tourists alike.
The highlights of the Ajax Experience are the interactive exhibits, which give visitors an opportunity to experience what it's like to be an Ajax player. The exhibits include T.I.P.S, which emphasises Technique, Insight, Personality and Speed; and a series of virtual exhibits where visitors take the place of players in the locker room, players' tunnel and stadium.
T.I.P.S. Technique enables visitors to practice aiming, timing and force skills by taking shots inside glass 'boxes,' which allow spectators to watch the action, while ensuring the ball doesn't escape. At one end of the box, a projection screen from Electrosonic displays a field or team member and the target zones for a successful kick. At the other end, a football is placed above a detector that knows when a kick has been made.
The entire Ajax Experience sports numerous AV components. When visitors enter the exhibition via the Hall of History, they are faced with a large graphic montage augmented by four NEC 46-inch LCD panels configured in a 2x2 videowall. One of the exhibition's main themes is 'From Children to Champions', which shows how intense training helps transform talented youngsters into top footballers.
(Jim Evans)
