The most used stadiums in the Greek top flight (part 3 of 4)

AGONAsport’s Greg Gavalas looks at the ten Greek football stadiums that have hosted the most games in the Greek top flight since 1960 in the third of a four-part series.

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View parts one and two.

Number 4: Nea Smyrni Stadium

Location: Athens

Home Club: Panionios

Capacity: 11,700

First Division games hosted: 947

Nea Smyrni Stadium is the home of Panionios, the oldest Greek football club. The historic club was founded in 1890 in Smyrni and has a long tradition of unearthing great Greek talents.

The multipurpose stadium was built in 1939 and had a capacity of 20,000. When Panionios qualified for the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1998, the stadium was installed with full seating, and that dropped its capacity to 12,000. Further refurbishments were made in the following years, including a roof and VIP facilities to the main stand. One downside is that the Northern end does not have a stand.

The stadium has had several upgrades since 2001, including a cafeteria, Panionios’ sports shop, press, and office facilities, improved medical and player facilities, and an electronic ticketing system (2009). 

The stadium’s record attendance was set in 1974 when Panionios hosted Panathinaikos in front of 21,000 fans.

The stadium has hosted other clubs from time to time, including Olympiakos, AEK, and hosted the 2004 Greek Cup Final between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, which the Greens won 3-1.

Number 3: Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium (Harilao)

Location: Thessaloniki

Home Club: Aris

Capacity: 22,800

First Division games hosted: 949

Name wise, the home of Thessaloniki giants, Aris, has some intriguing history. It opened in 1951, and for many years, it was simply named the “Stadium of Aris.” Despite the official name, many referred to the stadium by the name of the district it was built on, Harilaou. The stadium was officially renamed in 2004 to “Kleanthis Vikelidis” to honour the great player of Aris in the 1940s. Vikelidis played for the Thessalonikis from 1933-1949, where he registered 72 goals in 131 appearances.

In 1969, a grass surface was installed. In 1972, the grand stand was roofed on the west side, and three years later, the big Ultras stand on the north side was completed. Due to the 2004 Olympic Games, the stadium was modernised as all facilities were updated to meet modern standards. This included a gym, pools, VIP Boxes, a VIP Lounge, a restaurant with pitch views, and press rooms. The stadium’s capacity dropped to 24,00 when it was upgraded to all-seater.

The Kleanthis Vikelidis is a pure football stadium with no running track, and with the renovations of 2004, the grand stand took a great refurbishment.

The record attendance at the stadium was set at 27,500 in a match against AEK in March 1979.

To their credit, Aris fans have created an amazing atmosphere at this stadium, so much that it has been called “La Bombonera,” inspired by the emblematic home ground of Argentine club Boca Juniors.

The video below shows what this wonderful stadium looks like and what kind of atmosphere can be expected on gamedays.

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