A city that is home to a population of about 180 different nationalities changes constantly. Using the city itself as an urban stadium has been a trend in Amsterdam for the past decade, bringing new sports event concepts to life.

Sports linked to urban communities such as BMX, 3×3 basketball, free running and skateboarding have proven to be strong drivers behind (outside) sports experiences at iconic locations across the city. Fusion of 3×3 Basketball World Tour event and Breaking Championships creates festival setting in Amsterdam.

urban sports week

After the success of another Urban Sports Week Amsterdam (USWA) in August 2024 with spectator events, clinics and demonstrations, Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary in 2025 will commemorate its rich history with sports festivals spread across the city. This will include a street football competition starting in April with preliminaries in all seven city boroughs, followed by a multiple day urban sports festival in May, as well as a special edition of the Amsterdam Marathon in October.

3×3 world tour and breaking championships at westergas

11-13 October 2024 two Olympic sports teamed up for a spectacular new event. Within walking distance from the Central Station, at the cultural park Westergas (a former gas facility with a rich history of 17 industrial buildings relatively unchanged since the 1900’s), a number of Olympic stars were present for this groundbreaking event. The FIBA 3×3 World Tour (basketball) and the Amsterdam Breaking Championships brought together a wide audience to experience (professional) sports, lifestyle, music and international foods in a festival atmosphere.

the colour of urban

Event organiser 3×3 Unites has added Women’s 3×3 to the basketball schedule. High energy games are mixed with live performances from renowned music artists such as Vunzige Deuntjes. «Westergas has always been a dream for us,» says Jesper Jobse, co-founder of 3X3 Unites. ‘We turn this fantastic urban location into a unique sports arena, where we push the boundaries between sports and entertainment.’

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a dance style that originated in the United States in the 1970s. Born out of hip-hop culture, this sport is characterized by athletic moves, clever footwork and the ‘key’ role that the DJ and MC play during battles. In 2023, the Amsterdam Breaking Championships tested new grounds by competing in the Central Market Hall in Amsterdam. The Westergas programme includes national championships for men and women and an international crew battle.

Amsterdam city’s director of sports Laura van Walsem is excited that two Olympic sports are joining forces: “The city and its guests will be treated to world class basketball, top level breakdancing, live music, dance and high-quality entertainment. Whether a fan or new to these sports, this festival promises great atmosphere and an unforgettable experience for a diverse audience.”

As a first realisation of the legacy of the 2024 urban sports festival at Westergas, the event set up will be used by the popular Amsterdam Dance Event. Amsterdam continues to embrace the spontaneous and improvisational spirit of urban sports communities. As these sports are less structured in terms of training schedules and registration, individuals play or practice when they choose regardless of background or culture. Urban sports events are attractive to young people as battles or competitions are often just short enough in duration to suppress the need to use their phones.