OPAP Arena – construction description

New stadium for AEK is to loosely refer to ancient architecture. Simple measures used in the design were created by Thanasis Kyratsous, who is responsible for the majestic main entrance or four massive towers in all corners. These are to support the steel roof, allowing for now internal supports to obstruct the view.

Capacity of 32,500, perhaps even 34,000 is planned. In that number there will be 40 skyboxes, while all fans will be able to use some of the 1,7000 parking spots in direct vicinity, of which 400-500 are to be under ground.

The stadium is to be erected in AEK’s spiritual home, the northern Nea Filadelfeia district. This is where the old stadium was located until demolition in 2003. It was commonly referred to as “Hagia Sophia” and the new stadium is to include some of that mood, seeing all entries but one (Gate 21 for fanatic fans) named after historical cities of the Anatolia.

Construction began in July 2017 and the project will require changes to the transport infrastructure, but is expected to be cheap for the club and cost around €80 million. The facility is expected to be ready in the summer of 2022.