Sports campus the Pelican

Sportcampus de Pelikaan in Zwolle presents itself as a unique combination of group accommodation and a comprehensive sports complex. Located at Haersterveerweg 2B, just outside the city center, this establishment is deeply rooted in a sporting tradition. The grounds, formerly the ZMHC hockey venue, exude an atmosphere of activity and team spirit, making it a unique choice for specific target groups. It's not a standard hotel or a collection of luxury villas ; the concept focuses purely on functional and collective accommodation.

Concept and Accommodation

The primary offering at Sportcampus de Pelikaan is group accommodations . Capacity varies across different locations, with numbers ranging from 32 to 60 people spread across eight dormitories. These rooms are conveniently furnished with bunk beds. A recurring positive aspect of guest experiences is the quality of the mattresses, which are described as thick and comfortable, essential for a good night's sleep after a day of activity. This type of accommodation is best compared to a modern hostería or a well-equipped albergue , specifically designed for groups.

A key feature of the hospedaje is the self-catering principle. Guests are expected to prepare their own meals. This can be a drawback for some, especially those seeking the full-service experience of a resort . However, for groups such as sports teams, schools, or families on a budget, it's a major advantage. It significantly reduces costs and offers flexibility. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary utensils, including cookware, cutlery, a stovetop, microwave, and refrigerators, making it easy for groups to prepare their own meals. The accommodation also features a spacious central meeting area with its own bar, ideal for communal meals, team meetings, or social evenings.

The Sports Facilities: The Heart of the Campus

The true strength of Sportcampus de Pelikaan lies in its overwhelming range of sports facilities. This is what sets it apart from traditional group accommodations. The complex offers an impressive variety of options, both indoors and outdoors.

• Indoor Sports Hall: A covered hall suitable for indoor football, among other things, which offers an excellent alternative in bad weather.
• Outdoor fields: As a former hockey venue, the site has high-quality (water-based) fields that are still available for use. There are also fields for soccer and korfball.
• Beach courts: A unique addition is the multifunctional beach sports facility, where sports such as beach volleyball, beach soccer, and even beach tennis can be practiced. This offers a nice change from the more traditional sports.
• Environment: The campus is surrounded by beautiful forests and is located near the Agnietenplas lake. This natural setting invites you to enjoy activities such as running, hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor team-building exercises.

The proximity of other large sports complexes such as the Landstede Sports Centre and De Vrolijkheid Swimming Pool further expands the possibilities for sporty groups.

Pros and Cons for Potential Customers

The Plus Points

For the right target group, Sportcampus de Pelikaan offers a formula that's hard to match. The combination of affordable group accommodations and professional sports facilities in a single location is a significant advantage for sports teams on training camps, schools on workweeks, or companies organizing an active staff outing. Its location, in a quiet, green area yet only ten minutes from Zwolle city center, offers the best of both worlds: seclusion and privacy for the group, with urban amenities within easy reach. The self-catering model, while a conscious choice, is a significant plus for budget-conscious organizers.

The Negatives

The campus's drawbacks are inherent in its concept. Those seeking individual luxury, private accommodations , or the service of traditional hotels won't find what they're looking for here. The bunk dormitories offer little privacy and are purely functional. It's not a romantic posada and doesn't offer individual cabañas or vacation apartments . The lack of a kitchen staff means the group is responsible for its own meals, which requires planning and dedication. Although the location is wheelchair accessible at the entrance, the emphasis on active sports can be a limitation for groups with varying mobility levels.

Recent Developments and Future

A significant recent development is that the site has been transferred to PEC Zwolle football club as of July 2025, which is developing a new, modern training complex. Construction has already begun, with the installation of new hybrid grass pitches. This means that the site's function as a public group facility has ended or has been drastically changed. Potential clients should be aware that the original purpose of Sportcampus de Pelikaan as a versatile group facility is making way for a professional, top-level sports environment. As a result, the rental options that existed in the past are no longer a given. It is essential to contact the managers directly to verify the current status and possibilities, as the focus is now primarily on PEC Zwolle's activities.

Sportcampus de Pelikaan was an excellent choice for a specific niche: active groups seeking a functional and affordable accommodation combined with excellent sports facilities. Its strength lay in the synergy between accommodation and activity, in a beautiful green setting near Zwolle. However, its transition to a training complex for PEC Zwolle marks a new chapter. While the location's sporting spirit remains, its accessibility as a general group accommodation has fundamentally changed. While it may still offer opportunities for sports teams, it's likely no longer the ideal destination for family or friend groups it once was. It's a location with a strong profile, but one that requires a thorough check of current availability and conditions.