Olympic Stadium in Athens

The Olympic Stadium in Athens is a sports arena in Marousi featuring a 400-meter running track with nine lanes, a football pitch measuring 345 by 223 feet (105 by 68 meters), and areas for throwing and jumping competitions. A steel-and-glass roof spans the seating stands and shelters spectators from sun and rain while leaving the central playing surface open.

The venue was constructed in 1982 for the European Athletics Championships and served as the main stage during the Athens Olympic Games. Before the 2004 Games, the arena received a new roof structure designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava.

The arena honors Spyridon Louis, a water carrier from Marousi who won the inaugural modern Olympic marathon in 1896 and became a national hero. His victory is seen as a symbol of Hellenic spirit and bridges ancient tradition with contemporary athletics.

The grounds include three parking areas, fourteen VIP boxes, workspaces for 480 media staff, and three athlete changing rooms with full training equipment. Visitors can explore the facilities during events or through organized tours, with access and opening times varying.

The central lawn consists of 6,000 plastic capsules containing heat-resistant grass that allows for rapid drainage. Individual sections can be relocated to another site when needed, making the surface flexible and adaptable.

Location: Amarusio Municipality

Inception: 1982

Architects: Santiago Calatrava

Official opening: September 3, 1982

Capacity: 69618

Part of: Olympic Athletic Center of Athens "Spiros Louis"

Website: http://oaka.com.gr

GPS coordinates: 38.03611,23.78750

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:02