Alphamega Stadium – stadium description

How did the construction of new stadium in Limassol come about?

Plans for a new stadium in Limassol date back to the end of the 20th century, when state authorities handed over the land for the construction of arena. Two clubs, AEL and Aris, jointly planned to build a new facility on the designated plot. Studio of Greek architect Petros Kontaridis was engaged to work on the project. Initial concept was presented in 2011.

Initially, the third of Limassol's big clubs, Apollon, planned to build their own stadium, but after a financial crisis in 2013, they decided to join the initiative of AEL and Aris. It was then decided to make some more minor modifications to the architectural concept.

All three of Limassol's biggest clubs had previously played at Tsirio Stadium, which opened in 1975. Over the years, however, facility had fallen further and further behind modern standards, with an athletics track and complaints from local residents about hooliganism of supporters.

Rising costs made it difficult for clubs to find funds to finance the construction of a new stadium. In the end, as it was a needed and much-anticipated investment, the burden of financing was taken on by the government, and on its behalf by Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA).

However, European Commission judged this to be unauthorised state aid, as a stadium built with state money would be privately owned (by clubs). Once the site of future development was transferred to the ownership of KOA, formal obstacles disappeared. In 2017, the final architectural concept was presented, which, by the way, did not differ much from original vision.

How was the construction of new stadium in Limassol?

Signing the contract with main contractor (a consortium of Cyfield Group and Miltiades Neophytou) and start of construction took place in January 2019. Facility was supposed to be ready in mid-2021, but work has taken more than a year longer. During construction, it was also decided to improve spectator comfort by reducing the number of seats, from the 12 600 originally planned, to 10 300.

Venue was originally known as Limassol Arena. In March 2022, it was announced that supermarket chain Alphamega would become the title sponsor of the facility. The grand opening of new stadium took place on 25th November 2022, with a construction cost of €31.333 million.

What are the characteristics of Alphamega Stadium?

Stadium is located in the western suburbs of Limassol, just off A6 motorway. The facility can accommodate 10,300 spectators. Single-storey stands surround the pitch on all sides, forming a closed, rectangular shape (with rounded corners). The main grandstand, with additional tiers, VIP seating and an adjacent pavilion, is located on the west side.

Stadium stands are fully covered. The tin roof and external facade are intersected at intervals by a narrow strip of glazing. There are floodlights on the edge of the roof. Grey plastic chairs have been installed in stands, and a video screen has been placed in one of the corners. Facility has seats for disabled spectators too. Interiors include a conference room, a TV studio, as well as shops, bars and restaurants. Car parks and training pitches have been created next to the stadium.

Who does Alphamega Stadium serve?

Facility serves the three biggest clubs from Limassol (AEL, Apollon and Aris) on a daily basis. Stadium is also suitable for international matches, European cups or national team matches. In addition, it can host concerts and other events.