Sportpark Glanerbrook
Kummenaedestraat 45,
6165 BT Geleen
In 2026, Chemelot will mark its 100th anniversary! A significant milestone we wish to celebrate together with our employees and their families. At a time of change and uncertainty, we deliberately pause to reflect on what has united us for a century: collaboration, craftsmanship and resilience.
The 100 Years of Chemelot Winter Event is designed as a moment of connection and appreciation for the Chemelot community. Rather than a large-scale spectacle, it will be an accessible and welcoming event, centred on meeting one another, being active and taking time to unwind together.
Sportpark Glanerbrook
Kummenaedestraat 45,
6165 BT Geleen
8 and 15 November 2026
(Please choose one of the
two available dates)
Employees of all companies listed below at Chemelot and their family members (children living at home up to age 21)
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During the Winter Event, you and your family are warmly invited to enjoy a relaxing winter day filled with activities, fun and opportunities to connect. Take a break from everyday life, spend quality time together and create lasting memories.
Explore the newly renovated Glanerbrook sports complex through a variety of themed zones. Each area offers its own unique atmosphere and activities, ranging from active and playful to inspiring and relaxing.
During the event, we bring together the past, present and future.
At the heart of the celebration are our own Chemelot Heroes: the operators, contractors, firefighters, researchers and all the other colleagues who contribute every day to the success of the site.
Their personal stories show what 100 years of Chemelot truly mean.
In addition, organizations based at Chemelot, the Chemelot Visitor Center, and Heemkundevereniging Geleen, will present themselves through stands, demonstrations, products, photographs, and historical exhibits. Together, they tell the story of the region’s development: from mining and raw materials to advanced materials, innovation, circularity and the ambitions for Chemelot 2050.
Mining
Transition period from mining to the chemical industry
Chemelot today
Chemelot, V&L Handball and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences are joining forces. Through the collaboration between industry, education and top-level sport, innovative solutions are being developed that contribute to a healthy, future-proof region.
Explore areas that are normally off-limits and learn more about the technology, organization, and operations of Glanerbrook. During this unique experience, you’ll also gain insight into the sustainable choices and smart innovations behind the building.
Sustainability plays a key role in the renovated Glanerbrook. The complex is designed to be completely gas-free and utilizes 5,200 solar panels and large batteries for energy storage.
This allows for optimal use of locally generated energy and helps manage peak loads.
In addition, Glanerbrook features an innovative heating and cooling system that efficiently provides heat and cooling to the ice rinks, swimming pools, sports halls, and other spaces. The design seamlessly integrates sports, health, landscape, and building technology, ensuring a smart and sustainable use of space, energy and systems.
More information about the program and the schedule will be provided later.
What began with coal mining grew into one of Europe’s most complex chemical industry clusters. Over the past century, the industrial site now known as Chemelot has continuously reinvented itself: from state mines to DSM and a chemical republic, from bulk chemicals to high-performance materials and a campus driven by innovation.
On 8 and 15 November, Henk Leegwater and Wim Raaijen will take the audience on a journey through 100 years of Chemelot, featuring unique footage from the new documentary that brings this remarkable history to life.
Henk spent fifty years working in and around DSM and witnessed the industry’s immense transformation firsthand. He shares stories about the people, the plants and the technological revolution, including the rise of process automation.
Wim reconstructed the history of Chemelot and wrote the book SOS Industry. He connects the past to the present, showing how today’s challenges, from energy supply and international competition to the need for continuous innovation, bear remarkable similarities to those of earlier generations.
On 8 November, Henk will deliver the presentation on-site, while Wim will join remotely. On 15 November, the roles will be reversed: Wim will be present in person and Henk will participate online.
A story of industrial pioneers, remarkable successes, painful setbacks, and the ability to keep looking ahead and reinventing the future.
Glanerbrook’s brand-new ice rink will serve as the setting for various activities during the Winter Event.
Ice skates are included for all activities in the ice rink. To help keep everyone safe on the ice, participants are kindly asked to bring their own gloves, as wearing gloves is mandatory. 🧤
Discover the speed, action and skill of this spectacular ice sport.
A fun team activity that focuses on precision and teamwork.
Be inspired by the elegance and movement of figure skating set to music.
A refreshing experience you won’t soon forget.
This is where sports, entertainment and experience come together. Watch, participate and be surprised by a diverse program packed with action and fun. For all ages!
❗️Please note: Clean indoor sports shoes are required in the sports hall. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Lockers and changing rooms are available.
More information about the program and the schedule will be provided later.
An interactive show full of surprising experiments, spectacular demonstrations and fun discoveries, inspiring children to explore the world of science and technology.
Be amazed by a spectacular dance show!
Time to get moving! Learn the basics of a fun choreography together with professional instructors and discover how enjoyable dancing can be for all ages.
Discover the sport of boxing in a safe and accessible way. No special sportswear is required, so you can participate in your regular clothing.
Discover the speed, excitement and team spirit of handball during this clinic. Learn the fundamental skills of the sport and experience for yourself what makes handball such a dynamic and enjoyable game.
The clinic will be led by the star players of V&L Handball, Geleen’s premier handball club. With Glanerbrook as its home base, V&L has been competing at the highest level of Dutch handball for many years. During the clinic, you will also be introduced to innovative measuring equipment and a specialised motion-capture suit that can accurately analyse movement patterns and athletic performance, offering a unique insight into the technology behind elite sport.
Join us for a fun and competitive pub quiz featuring a range of challenging rounds on the history of Chemelot. The winning team will receive a cash prize, which they can donate to a charity of their choice.
Ready for a game of football? On the football pitch, you can play freely or practice together with other participants.
During the 100 Years of Chemelot Winter Event, you can take part in the vitality assessment organised by V&L Handbal and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. This is a unique opportunity to complete the same measurements and tests that are used for V&L’s premier league players.
The assessment includes:
You do not have to complete every test. Simply choose the activities you would like to participate in.
The vitality assessment is available throughout the day, so feel free to drop by whenever it suits you. No advance registration is required.
You’ll receive your results straight away, giving you instant insight into your fitness.
For our youngest visitors, there’s a special Kids Zone located in one of Glanerbrook’s brand-new sports hall. This area is all about discovery and play. From spectacular shows to creative activities, children can enjoy a day full of fun and adventure here.
Have a blast on the bouncy castle!
Get creative with fun arts and crafts.
Let yourself be transformed into your favorite character.
Challenging play elements that provide hours of fun.
In addition to the activities on the ice, Glanerbrook’s new recreational pool also offers plenty of fun. With modern facilities, playful water attractions, and a spectacular slide, you can count on a splash-filled experience for the whole family.
Lockers and changing rooms are available.
More information about the program and the schedule will be provided later.
Enjoy all the amenities of the new recreational pool.
A sparkling water disco with the best music hits, light effect and a fun atmosphere.
The experience continues beyond the walls of Glanerbrook! Meet the Ebert HERA Fire Brigade or explore the iconic Pinkpop Trail.
Day and night, the professionals at Fire Brigade & Security play a vital role in keeping Chemelot safe. During the Winter Event, you’ll get a unique opportunity to learn more about their fascinating work and expertise.
Step into the history of Geleen and follow the iconic Pinkpop Trail through Burgemeester Damenpark. This striking pink route, approximately one kilometre long, takes you past remarkable locations and a historical timeline filled with stories about the park, which lies directly next to the renewed Glanerbrook. Along the way, you will discover the site where the very first edition of Pinkpop took place in 1970, now marked by a memorial monument.
What began as a local music festival grew into one of Europe’s most famous and longest-running music festivals. The trail also highlights the park’s rich sporting history, showcasing the remarkable cycling and skating events that have taken place here over the years.
Take a break between activities to relax, connect with colleagues and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Winter Event. Throughout the venue, you’ll find cosy winter-themed food stalls and entertainment, all coming together to create a warm, festive and memorable experience.
Take a break and enjoy a selection of delicious winter treats:
Do you have any dietary requirements or food allergies? Please let us know in advance at info@ods-vitaal.nl so that we can take them into account.
🚗 Free parking is available at the Glanerbrook parking area, conveniently located next to the venue.
🚲 Cyclists can make use of the covered bicycle parking facilities.
♿ The venue is wheelchair accessible.
The 100 Years Chemelot Winter Event will take place at the renovated Glanerbrook sports complex in Geleen, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. This iconic location is currently undergoing an impressive transformation and will soon embody everything Chemelot has stood for over the past century: innovation, progress, and connection.
Glanerbrook is evolving into a green, vibrant meeting place. An inspiring environment that encourages connection and activity: the ideal setting for our anniversary event.
Sustainable and future‑focused
Sustainability is at the heart of Glanerbrook’s design. The entire sports complex will operate without natural gas and will be largely self-sufficient in energy, powered by thousands of solar panels and extensive energy storage systems.*
This approach seamlessly connects sport, health and sustainability. Open visual connections between inside and outside, premium facilities and a strong relationship with the park result in a transparent and inspiring environment where watching others exercise genuinely motivates people to join in.
Take a look at the video showcasing the brand-new, ultra‑modern sportpark.
Everyone is welcome to help us bring the 100 Years of Chemelot Winter Event to the attention of colleagues. Use the download below that you can share at work, in the canteen, via socials and much more.
We are happy with your promotion help. Thank you!