ATHENS
Stadiums
The new, rebuilt Olympiako Stadio Athinas Spyros Louis (37 Kifissias, Maroussi; +30 210 683 4060 or 4061; www.oaka.com.gr) was inaugurated days before the official opening of the 2004 Olympic Games. The two-year reconstruction, under renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, cost £175million. Its main features are the twin arches, spanning 304 metres and rising to 72 metres, which support the stylish, functional polycarbonate roof. The stadium, part of a complex that includes a pool, indoor arena and velodrome, dominates Maroussi, a northern suburb 9km from the city centre.
The original ground, opened in 1982, was constructed on a site dotted with classical antiquities – Roman baths were discovered during the rebuild. Spyros Louis, the winner of the marathon at the first modern Olympics, in 1896, was a Maroussi local. The stadium hosted two European Cup finals and many big domestic fixtures before closure for reconstruction in 2002.
Calatrava’s impressive creation consists of two rings of seating, divided into 35 sections. Capacity is 71,030. The nearest metro station is Irini on green line 1, a 10-minute walk. The journey time from central Omonio is 25 minutes. Near Irini is the railway station of Neratziotissa, linked to Doukissis Plakentias metro station, which is within easy reach of the airport.
There are three main ticket offices in the complex: one right by Irini metro, one on Kimis nearby, and one behind the east goal.You can arrange a group tour of the complex (€3/£2 per person) by fax on +30 210 683 4021. For more information, phone +30 210 683 4777.
The other main stadium in town is Yorgos Karaiskakis (www.karaiskaki.gr), in Piraeus, home of Olympiakos. The recently renovated arena was originally built as a velodrome for the 1896 Olympics, converted for football in 1936 and refurbished in the 1960s. Chelsea won the European Cup-Winners Cup there in 1971. There was a stadium tragedy in 1981 – 21 fans died during a crush at an Olympiakos-AEK Athens match. Banners are still displayed at every match to honour the victims.
The stadium, accessed from the Faliro metro station on green line 1, holds 33,000. There is now a club museum (closed Mondays).
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