Stádio Pankritio – stadium description

Though it became famous thanks to the  2004 Olympics in Athens, the „stadium of en tire Crete” (literal translation of Pankritio) was under construction from late 1980s, just on hold due to lack of funds. With amended documentation it finally got finished in 2004, worth roughly €50 million.

Formally the building wasn’t even build in the city of Iraklio, lying just meters away from city limits. But it’s located within walking distance from the center (some 3 km) and just 600 meters away from the OFI Crete stadium. And because Pankritio is home to Ergotelis, the derby of Crete is among the closest big city-rivalries worldwide.

But in terms of location it’s not the proximity of archrivals that made it instantly recognizable. The stadium stands just 40 meters away from the sea! This means you can both admire the view from the north stand and exit straight onto the beach.

The seaside location also has its down side. In January 2015 strong wind damaged parts of the western roof, causing all of the west cover sheets to be removed. It wasn’t repaired until the summer of 2016.

Aside from Ergotelis games and the Olympic episode in 2004, the building also held several internationals, including the opening friendly between Greece and Switzerland. There was also an attempt from OFI to relocate here, but the club’s aspirations proved too big. On a daily basis Pankritio is Crete’s largest sports and training centre, able of hosting international events in athletics and providing numerous secondary facilities, such as a smaller training stadium, indoor hall and swimming pool.