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Venues #27 in Athens

Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium

4.4 · 5,924 reviews
Intense, historical, and deeply urban.
Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, Leof. Alexandras 160, Athina 115 21, Greece
Interesting facts
1

It is the oldest football stadium in Greece still in active use for a major professional club.

2

The stadium was the first in Greece to install floodlights in 1938.

3

The pitch is named after Apostolos Nikolaidis, a former president and multi-sport athlete who was a key figure in the club's development.

4

In 1928, the stadium became the first in the country to have a concrete stand built.

5

The stadium's foundations are physically integrated into the dense urban fabric of the Alexandras Avenue district.

6

It hosted the national Greek football team for many years before the construction of larger, modern arenas like the Olympic Stadium.

7

The facility houses the headquarters and administrative offices of the Panathinaikos amateur athletic departments.

8

The proximity of the stands to the touchlines is legally restricted by modern UEFA safety standards, making its current configuration a rare remnant of early 20th-century stadium design.

Overview

Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, often referred to as Leoforos, is the historic home ground of the Panathinaikos Athletic Club, located in the Ambelokipi district of Athens. Built in 1922, it is one of the oldest active football stadiums in Greece and is situated directly in the heart of the urban grid. The stadium features a distinct architecture where the stands are exceptionally close to the pitch, creating an intense atmosphere during matches. It underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s to modernize its facilities while retaining its classic structure. The venue remains an active site for Panathinaikos's professional football, basketball, and volleyball operations, which are headquartered on the same block. It serves as a symbol of the club's long-standing connection to the Athenian cityscape.

Photo spot

The main gate entrance on Leoforos Alexandras which features historical club iconography.

Insider tips

Visit during the daytime to see the historical exterior and team mural artwork when the area is less congested.

Check the official club website for museum or stadium tour availability, as public access to the interior is usually restricted to match days.

Respect the local neighborhood environment, as the stadium is situated in a densely populated residential area.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to access the pitch or restricted locker room areas without an official guide or authorized invitation.

Good to know

Closed to the general public outside of match days, training sessions, or pre-arranged guided events.

Etiquette

Casual, but avoid wearing opposing team colors or gear when approaching the venue, especially on match days.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a non-match day to avoid the intense crowds and traffic congestion associated with games.
Address
Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, Leof. Alexandras 160, Athina 115 21, Greece
37.987, 23.754
Get directions
Details
Home TeamPanathinaikos
Inauguration Year1922

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a non-match day to avoid the intense crowds and traffic congestion associated with games..

The main gate entrance on Leoforos Alexandras which features historical club iconography.

Close by you'll find Lycabettus Hill, Acropolis of Athens, National Archaeological Museum.