Kaftanzoglio Stadium

Kaftanzoglio Stadium
Map
Full nameEthniko Stadion "Lysimachos Kaftanzoglou"
LocationThessaloniki, Greece
Public transitPanepistimio metro station (2023)
OwnerHellenic Olympic Committee
OperatorCity of Thessaloniki
Capacity27,560
Field size105 x 68 m
SurfaceGrass
ScoreboardYes
Construction
Built1960
Opened27 October 1960
Renovated2000, 2002–2004
Construction cost€ 45,000,000
ArchitectGeorgios Pantzaris
Tenants
Iraklis FC (1960–2002, 2004–2023)
Doxa Drama FC (2011–2012)
Veria FC (2013)

Kaftanzoglio Stadium (Greek: Καυτανζόγλειο Στάδιο) is a sports stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece. It currently has 27,560 seats, owing to conversion of terraces to seats in 2000 and a comprehensive renovation before reopening to host football matches for the 2004 Summer Olympics, which was centered in Athens.[2] It has been the home stadium of Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C. since 1960.

History

The stadium was built with money donated by the Kaftanzoglou Foundation, in honour of Lysandros Kaftanzoglou, hence its name. At the time of its opening on 27 October 1960, the stadium was one of the highest quality stadiums in the Balkans.[3] It was the largest stadium in Greece until 1982, but has since been surpassed in capacity by the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

On 15 October 1969, the attendance record was set with 47,458 fans present for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, witnessing Greece defeat Switzerland by a 4–1 score. In 1973 it hosted the European Cup Winners Cup Final, which resulted in a 1–0 victory for AC Milan over Leeds United.

The complex has become increasingly dilapidated and derelict following the 2002–2004 renovations, with the stadium being temporarily closed after failed safety inspections concurrently with the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, which includes the Olympic Stadium. Iraklis temporarily relocated football activities to Chalastra Stadium for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.

Athletics events

The stadium regularly hosts athletics events. It hosted the Greek national championships in 2009 and it has been used for both athletics at the Mediterranean Games and the European Cup in athletics. It was the host stadium for the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Final.[3]

  • Exterior view
    Exterior view
  • Interior view
    Interior view

References

  1. ^ "Kaftanzoglio Stadium - Thessaloniki, Greece". Kaftanzoglio.gr. Archived from the original on 2015-04-19. Retrieved 2011-12-19.
  2. ^ 2004 Summer Olympics official report. Archived 2008-08-19 at the Wayback Machine Volume 2. p. 324.
  3. ^ a b FACILITIES – KAFTANZOGLIO STADIUM Archived 2009-08-28 at the Wayback Machine. IAAF World Athletics Final Thessaloniki. Retrieved on 2009-09-08.
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