Ever wondered what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of legendary Hungarian footballers like Hidegkuti, Csikar, and Lantos? Now you can, with a guided tour through one of Hungary’s oldest football clubs’ strikingly modern home, the New Nándor Hidegkuti Stadium (Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion). The old stadium famously served Hungarian football for over 100 years, playing host to countless historic matches. Today, its legacy lives on in this cutting-edge arena, welcoming fans each month on the first Monday to explore areas usually reserved for football’s elite.
Stadium Tours: What to Expect
Tours run every Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., each lasting about an hour. Guests get full access: you’ll peek into the changing rooms, experience the pre-match thrill in the players’ tunnel, and stride out onto the pitch like a true pro. Don’t miss the VIP sector, the exclusive SKY box, and the conference area—spaces where stars, coaches, and executives make the big decisions. Enjoy panoramic views of the empty stadium and climb the winners’ stairs, soaking up MTK’s rich sporting and cultural history from behind the scenes.
MTK Budapest: A Storied Giant in Hungarian Football
Known as the Blue-and-Whites, MTK Budapest has inspired fans for over 100 years. With 23 national league titles and 12 Hungarian Cups, MTK ranks second only to archrival Ferencváros (Ferencvárosi TC) on Hungary’s all-time podium. MTK’s home has always been at the heart of the city. The original stadium served the team and its fans from 1947 until 2014. In 2016, its ultra-modern replacement opened on the same site: a 5,000-seat arena that’s still the hub for MTK’s business operations. MTK rents the stadium, but the property belongs to the state.
Legacy of Nándor Hidegkuti
The stadium honors club legend Nándor Hidegkuti (Hidegkuti Nándor), the iconic striker for both MTK and the legendary “Magical Magyars” squad. Hidegkuti wore number 9 and famously scored a hat-trick in the “Match of the Century,” when Hungary stunned England at Wembley in 1953. The Golden Team’s international exploits peaked when they won silver at the 1954 World Cup—with three other MTK players in the squad.
Cutting-Edge Stadium Technology
Opened with a festive match against Sporting Club de Portugal in October 2016 (echoing their meeting in the 1964 Cup Winners’ Cup final), the New Nándor Hidegkuti Stadium (Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion) broke new ground as the first arena in Central and Eastern Europe to install hybrid “Desso” GrassMaster turf—just like Anfield, Old Trafford, and San Siro. The energy-efficient LED lighting system, with 214 Schreder-Tungsram fixtures, is industry-leading; only Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium shares the distinction of combining both hybrid turf and LEDs.
Facilities Galore: More Than Just Football
With 33 skyboxes (plus four technical boxes) spread over two levels, the stadium balances electrifying games with plush business meetings. Each box seats 10–12 guests. Tour highlights include the home and guest changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, pitchside access, the press conference room, the VIP sector, and the all-important SKY box.
The meeting point for all stadium tours is at the VIP entrance, on the corner of Alfréd Brüll Street (Brüll Alfréd utca) and Salgótarjáni Street (Salgótarjáni utca).
Ticket Prices and Special Offers
Tickets are budget-friendly:
Adults: USD 13.30
Students: USD 12.20
Children (under 6): USD 9.50
Special group rates are also available by reservation. For groups of 5–14, the total is USD 67; for 15–25, it’s USD 108.
Upcoming tour dates include June 30 and July 2, 2025, plus matchday tours for exciting home games in July. Tours run year-round, from January 1 to December 31, ensuring everyone gets a chance at this behind-the-scenes adventure.
Budapest Stays for Every Style
If you’re in town for a tour, accommodation choices abound. Enjoy luxury apartments with balconies at Prater Residence or modern, centrally located rooms at Atlantic Hotel, Atrium Fashion Hotel, or Hotel Bristol. Bo18 Hotel Superior, near the Corvin Shopping Center, features wellness and fitness facilities and a sparkling weekend chocolate fountain. Guesthouses and suite hotels like ESCALA or Europa Centerpoint offer spacious rooms, full kitchens, terraces, and fast Wi-Fi. There’s even a well-appointed campsite for backpackers and road-trippers seeking inner-city tranquility.
Modern Sports Hub for All
The New Nándor Hidegkuti Stadium (Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion) isn’t just for MTK’s home games. Thanks to its modern design—meeting the European Football Association’s elite standards—it now hosts everything from youth tournaments to women’s league matches, as well as early rounds for both Champions League and Europa League ties. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just curious about Budapest’s football heritage, a stadium tour immerses you in a unique slice of sporting history.
