Behind every elite event and rising star is a city with a plan, and Rotterdam Topsport is at its core.
When people think of Rotterdam, they often think of modern architecture, international trade or bold innovation. Increasingly, however, they also think of sport. From hosting European championships to nurturing Olympic athletes, Rotterdam has quietly but steadily established itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic sports cities. At the center of that evolution stands the Rotterdam Topsport Foundation, a compact but highly effective organization that has been shaping the city’s top sports landscape for over 35 years.
Gerda IJff, the foundation’s seasoned projectmanager events, shared insights drawn from 23 years of experience. Her tenure has paralleled the transformation of Rotterdam into a city that doesn’t just host sport. Whether it's basketball in the Ahoy Arena or beach volleyball on the banks of the Maas, Rotterdam Topsport ensures that every event fits into a bigger vision: positioning Rotterdam as a national and international city of sports.
The organization is built on a strong public-private partnership model, with 70% of its funding coming from the local government and the remaining 30% supported by local businesses. With an annual budget of around €3 million, the foundation balances strategic ambition with operational efficiency, run by a team of just 13 dedicated professionals. What makes this small team stand out is not just their capacity to deliver but their ability to connect, acting as a network that brings together athletes, federations, businesses and city services into one cohesive force.
Rotterdam Topsport doesn’t typically organize events itself. Instead, it functions as an enabler and partner, helping external organizers navigate the complex world of city permits, promotion, logistics and stakeholder alignment. The foundation works behind the scenes to ensure that events don’t just happen, but that they succeed, leave a legacy and align with the city’s broader goals. In Rotterdam, sport is never “just” entertainment. It’s economic development, it’s community engagement and it’s city marketing.
The strategy is clear: 25 to 30 top-tier events per year, with at least one or two major championships. Events are selected not only for their prestige but for their strategic value. Whether in media visibility, community benefit or long-term development. There’s also a unique financial tool in place: a dedicated event fund, sourced through city tax revenue, designed specifically to attract and support high-impact sports events. This investment is not taken lightly. Every euro is expected to deliver value, both measurable and meaningful.
One of Rotterdam’s most innovative approaches is its zoning plan for events, a pioneering method of spatial planning that allows the city to manage crowds, minimize disruption and create a balanced year-round calendar of activities. This ensures that residents and visitors alike benefit from sport without it overwhelming the urban rhythm.
But strategy alone doesn’t make a great sports city; data does. Rotterdam Topsport places a high priority on impact measurement, using modular research frameworks to evaluate the effects of each event. The analysis spans multiple dimensions: economic impact, health and participation metrics and city branding effectiveness.
“The organization is built on a strong public-private partnership model, ...”
The results speak for themselves. Studies show that for every € 1,- invested in sports events, the city sees a return of € 5,- in local spending. In addition, 13% of event visitors are first-time visitors to Rotterdam and around 100.000 people indicate they plan to return annually after attending a sports event. Certain events have even triggered lasting change: participation in sports like women’s football, basketball and volleyball saw measurable increases in the aftermath of major tournaments.
These insights don’t just offer validation, they shape future decisions. The data feeds directly into event improvement, supports stronger bidding applications and provides clear proof points for stakeholder discussions. It also reinforces the core belief behind Rotterdam’s event strategy: that sport is a driver, not a byproduct of urban vitality.
Organizationally, Rotterdam’s sports ecosystem is built on a four-part structure, with each organization playing a distinct but complementary role. While Rotterdam Topsport handles high-performance sport and elite events, Rotterdam Sportsupport focuses on grassroots clubs and community development. Meanwhile, Sportbedrijf Rotterdam manages the physical facilities and operational logistics across the city. All three organisations are accountable to the Rotterdam City Council.
This separation might seem complex, but it’s part of what makes the system work. Each entity brings its own culture, speed and specialization. Formal meetings occur multiple times a year and dedicated working groups ensure that cross-cutting issues are addressed collectively. This structure allows the city to move fast when needed, while still maintaining a clear long-term vision.
At its heart, the Rotterdam Topsport Foundation is about creating opportunity. For athletes, it’s the chance to perform at the highest level in their hometown. For citizens, it’s about access, to watch, to participate and/or to be inspired. For organizers and partners, it’s a reliable, well-connected ally that understands the pulse of the city.
But perhaps most importantly, Rotterdam Topsport shows what happens when sport is treated not just as an event, but as a public good. It’s a tool for economic resilience, social cohesion and civic pride. It’s a reason to visit, a reason to stay and for many, a reason to dream.
Gerda IJff projectmanager events @ Rotterdam Topsport