Near the tree on the southeast corner of the Philips Stadium, a Memorial Place will be realized before the end of the competition: Of, for and by supporters. Within the PSV family there had long been a desire for a permanent, dignified place at the Philips Stadium to remember deceased supporters, family members and other loved ones. After a careful process of consultation and design development, the Municipality of Eindhoven recently granted the permit.
The Memorial Place is an initiative of the PSV supporter community and is supported by several groups, including PSV Eternal Faithful Fund Foundation, Boys From The South, Lighttown Madness, PSV Fans United, Supporters Association PSV and the PSV Sounding Board Group. PSV supports and facilitates (in part) the process to realize this collective wish. Work on the monument will begin on Feb. 23 and completion is scheduled for May, when the final game of the season will also be played.
Artful design on historic ground
The monument will be realized near the century-old white horse chestnut tree on Frederiklaan, on the southeast side of the Philips Stadium. This location has great historical and symbolic value for both the city of Eindhoven and PSV. The tree forms the central element of the design and symbolizes continuity and connectedness.
An oval-shaped walkway will be constructed around the tree, reflecting the lasting memory of deceased supporters and the unity within the PSV family. In the design, the laurel wreath plays a prominent role. This symbol, traditionally associated with victory, honor and memory, has been a recognizable part of the PSV logo since 1933 and forms an important visual and substantive basis of the Memorial Site.
Annual commemoration
The monument will have a permanent place at the Philips Stadium and will offer supporters a respectful location to permanently remember loved ones. Supporters can have a set of two Laurel leaves engraved from the laurel wreath: one to keep at home and one to place at De Gedenkplek during the annual memorial match in December. This creates an annual moment of shared remembrance. More information on ordering and engraving the miniature laurel, can be found through PSV Eternal Fidelity Fund
More information about the Gedenkplek can be found at PSV.nl/Gedenkplek. In addition, from now on it is possible to make a donation via PSV Eeuwig Trouw Fonds to support the (realization of the) monument and the accompanying memorial initiative.