Athens, the historic cradle of democracy and philosophy, is also a vibrant center of Greek football. The city and its metropolitan area host several stadiums that are home to some of the country’s most renowned clubs, each carrying its own story, fan culture, and architectural character. From Olympic-scale arenas to community-based grounds, here is a closer look at the football stadiums that shape Athens’ sporting landscape.
Olympic Stadium “Spyros Louis”
- Capacity: 69,618
- Home Team(s): AEK Athens (temporary, past), Panathinaikos (past), Greek National Team (selected matches)
- Overview: The Olympic Stadium, officially named “Spyros Louis” in honor of the first modern Olympic marathon champion, is Greece’s largest sports venue. Located in the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, it was the centerpiece of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Known for its iconic Santiago Calatrava-designed roof, it has hosted Champions League finals, international athletics competitions, and major concerts, making it a true multi-purpose landmark.
Karaiskakis Stadium
- Capacity: 33,334
- Home Team: Olympiacos F.C.
- Overview: Situated in Piraeus, Karaiskakis Stadium is synonymous with Olympiacos, Greece’s most successful football club. The current stadium, rebuilt in 2004, combines modern facilities with an electric matchday atmosphere. Its design ensures close proximity between fans and the pitch, amplifying the famous passion of Olympiacos supporters, the “Gate 7” ultras.
Agia Sophia Stadium
- Capacity: 31,100
- Home Team: AEK Athens F.C.
- Overview: Officially named “OPAP Arena – Agia Sophia Stadium,” this modern football-specific venue opened in 2022 on the historic site of AEK’s former ground in Nea Filadelfeia. The design reflects the club’s refugee heritage, with architectural motifs inspired by Byzantine and Constantinopolitan styles. It is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in Greece.
Leoforos Alexandras Stadium
- Capacity: 16,003
- Home Team: Panathinaikos F.C.
- Overview: Known simply as “Leoforos,” this is one of the oldest football grounds in Greece, dating back to 1922. Located in the heart of Athens, it is deeply ingrained in Panathinaikos’ identity. Despite its modest size, its steep stands and passionate fans create one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Greek football.
Georgios Kamaras Stadium
- Capacity: 14,200
- Home Team: Apollon Smyrnis F.C.
- Overview: Based in Rizoupoli, this stadium has a long history connected to Apollon Smyrnis. It was renovated in the early 2000s and has occasionally hosted matches for the Greek national team. The ground is named after Georgios Kamaras, one of the club’s most legendary players.
Nea Smyrni Stadium
- Capacity: 11,342
- Home Team: Panionios G.S.S.
- Overview: Located in Nea Smyrni, this stadium is the home of Panionios, one of Greece’s oldest football clubs, founded in 1890 in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey). It has been the scene of numerous intense derbies and European nights, especially during Panionios’ strong runs in Greek football.
Peristeri Stadium
- Capacity: 9,050
- Home Team: Atromitos F.C.
- Overview: A compact yet lively venue in the suburb of Peristeri, it serves as the home for Atromitos. While smaller in scale, it maintains a strong community connection and regularly hosts top-flight Greek Super League matches.
Stavros Mavrothalassitis Stadium
- Capacity: 8,217
- Home Team: Egaleo F.C.
- Overview: Situated in Egaleo, this stadium is named after a local mayor who greatly contributed to sports development in the area. It primarily serves Egaleo F.C. and is a classic example of a community-based Greek football ground.
