October
24th, 2003
Following the near-farcical situations that we have all been witnessing
during the last months, it seems that the dream of Panathinaikos
fans about a new stadium at Leoforos could be turning into reality.
The chairmen of amateur Panathinaikos A.O., Panathinaikos FC and
Panathinaikos BC have met with the Minister of Culture and revealed
their plans for the new stadium.
These call for a new football ground on the same site as the current
one (Apostolos
Nikolaidis). It will have a capacity of approximately 29,000,
with four separate and fully covered double-tiered stands. The stadium
will be "raised" 4.5 metres over the ground level, leaving
space for a huge area of shops and restaurants, directly below the
football pitch. A basketball arena (capacity: about 6,000) and a
swimming hall will be constructed under this area (i.e. below ground
level). Plans
of the new stadium.
Right now, the major problem regards the funding of the whole project.
Panathinaikos seem to be unable to cover all the costs, so they
have called for the State to provide a major part of the funds.
This does not sit well with State officials, so negotiations are
currently in full swing. Whatever the result, Panathinaikos have
rejected the State's proposal for them to return to the Olympic
Stadium, as they are determined to build their new home on the site
of their historic one.
Related articles:
Proposal for total reconstruction
of Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium (20/2/03)
Apostolos Nikolaidis (Leoforos) Stadium
may be expanded (31/10/01)
Panathinaikos will build their new
stadium at Hellinikon (1/9/01)
New site proposed for Panathinaikos's
new stadium (12/8/01)
Panathinaikos demand an area to build
their new stadium (7/7/01)