Oaka, Sports stadium in Marousi, Athens, Greece
Oaka is a large stadium in Marousi, north of Athens, with a capacity of around 69,600 spectators. Inside, it features a grass field with a 400 meter running track surrounded by tall stands, while a distinctive roof with curved lines designed by Santiago Calatrava covers part of the venue.
The stadium was built in the early 1980s and completed in 1982 to host the European Athletics Championships. Before the 2004 Summer Olympics, it underwent major renovation, with the roof added, and it served as the main venue for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as track and field events.
The stadium is named after Spiros Louis, the first modern Greek to win an Olympic marathon medal in 1896. His name carries great significance in Greece, and many sports fans feel a sense of pride when visiting a place that honors such an important athlete.
Access is easy with public transport such as the metro, bus, or car, as the stadium is located near Eirini station on the Green Line. Visitors can explore the grounds on designated routes and should note that the atmosphere is very lively during events, while quieter times feel more peaceful.
The stadium's grass field is made of about 6,000 small plastic capsules filled with special soil that allows grass to grow. This innovative design allows the playing surface to be removed from the stadium when needed for different events.
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