Kaftanzoglio Stadium is a multi-purpose sports arena located in the Greek City of Thessaloniki. First opened in 1960, it was extensively renovated ahead of the 2004 Summer Olympics which was hosted in Athens, and has more or less always been home to Iraklis 1908 Thessaloniki F.C.
Table of Contents
Stadium Guide
History
The first iteration of Thessaloniki’s stadium which opened on 27th October 1960 was funded by the Kaftanzoglou Foundation which is where the name of the stadium is derived from. Upon opening it was regarded as one of the premier sporting venues not only in Greece but also the wider Balkans Peninsula in south-east Europe
Although there have occasionally been conflicting reports, many historians believe that the record attendance to date was set on the 15th October 1969 in a match between Greece and Switzerland. A reported 47,458 supporters crammed into the stadium to witness Greece defeat Switzerland 4-1 in a qualification match of the 1970 World Cup.
Following on from the upwards momentum gained on the international stage and growing reputation as Greece’s largest stadium, Kaftanzoglio Stadium further rose to prominence when it was chosen as the venue to host the 1973 Cup Winners Cup Final between AC Milan and Leeds United. It was
Renovated extensively for the 2004 Summer Olympics which was hosted in Athens, over €47 million euros was spent refurbishment the stadium in preparation for the games. Previously converted to all-seater at the turn of the millennium, construction work began in August 2002 and completed on 27th April 2014 when Greece hosted Germany in a friendly.
Seating Plan
Below is a seating plan of Iraklis Thessaloniki's Kaftanzoglio Stadium:
The Matchday Experience
Away fans
Away fans are usually housed within the northern stand although due to the lack of away days culture in Greece, the small number visiting supporters only usually occupy central block number 1 which is just above the entrance to the concourse.
Best Pubs
Club Shop
Owned by the General Secretariat of Sports there doesn’t appear to be a permanent fan shop of Iraklis 1908 at the stadium. You can however purchase official merchandise by attending a match or by visiting the club’s online store which is open 24/7.
Stadium Tours
Although actual tours of Kaftanzoglio Stadium aren’t available you can take a virtual tour by visiting this page on the ground’s official website. There is also a Sports Museum located in the north-west area of Kaftanzoglio Stadium – the first of its kind in Greece.
Ticket Information
Tickets to see Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C play at home can be purchased with cash from the various ticket booths around the ground before kick-off on matchdays.
It doesn’t seem as if you can purchase tickets online at this moment in time!
Matchday Travel
Kaftanzoglio Stadium is located 2.5 km south-east of Thessaloniki’s city centre, and only a slightly bit further than from the main railway station.
The walk to the ground is easy as its just along the Agiou Dimitriou road and will take most Football Trippers a fraction under 35 minutes.
Driving
The stadium’s address for satnav is as follows:
Car Parks
There are two medium sized car parks located within the sports complex however the exact matchday parking arrangements are unclear.
Train
The city’s is served by “New Railway Station, Thessaloniki” which first opened in the 1960s to replace the ageing facilities.
There are over 6 platforms and 9 tracks with Thessaloniki–Bitola and Thessaloniki–Alexandroupoli being the two main railroad routes.
Airports and Flying
Thessaloniki Airport is 15 km south of the historic city centre which is often defined as the area around the famous White Tower of Thessaloniki. It is the second largest state owned airport in Greece and is also known as “Makedonia” or Macedonia Airport.
Hotels
The largest cluster of places to stay is undoubtedly found within the area which overlooks the harbour between White Tower and the railway station. Three well priced and relatively safe options are Holiday Inn, El Greco Hotel Thessaloniki and The Luxembourg Hotel.
