The new Panathinaikos stadium in Votanikos is moving forward rapidly, and on Wednesday morning (Feb 11), the project was visited by Giannis Alafouzos, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, and Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

The stadium is gradually taking shape, with the playing surface now visible. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said, among other things:

“Panathinaikos’ stadium is progressing according to schedule; we have also begun the southern section and it is developing very quickly. It should catalyze the redevelopment of an area of great importance. We are just 1.5 km from Omonia — major projects with green spaces and infrastructure will be carried out. With consistency and organization, we are implementing all the work to create a very beautiful, green neighborhood in Athens and to begin discussions with other municipalities as well.”

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated:

“I am pleased that the relay between governments and municipal authorities is progressing smoothly. It is something we are all working on in a coordinated way. This also concerns the wider Elaionas area, where the government is intervening. Mr. Mitsotakis assigned me to coordinate the Elaionas redevelopment plan. We are not talking only about the Panathinaikos stadium, but also about companies and their relocation. In miniature, it will resemble Hellinikon — the area will take on a completely different form. I want to send a message to accelerate efforts from now on; Athenians deserve to see a completely different image in the long-neglected Votanikos and Elaionas area.”

The Double Redevelopment around the stadium includes new parks, sports facilities, and cultural spaces. The goal is to create a lively, modern neighborhood just 1.5 km from Omonia. According to the plan, about 2,700 seats will be installed early next week, and the stadium will have a total capacity of around 40,000 spectators.

If everything proceeds as planned, Panathinaikos hopes to play its first match in the new stadium in May 2027. However, there are also warnings that delays may occur, as some Athens municipal projects could lose Recovery Fund financing due to low absorption of funds.

After the visit, Mr. Hatzidakis also posted about the issue:

“Elaionas… like Hellinikon! The redevelopments that will take place in Elaionas will resemble a miniature Hellinikon. Kyriakos Mitsotakis assigned me to coordinate the redevelopment plan, and I visited the area today to send a message to speed up efforts from now on, in cooperation with the relevant ministers and local municipalities.

In this area, abandoned for decades, we will create a completely different image. We are talking about a project that includes relocating logistics companies to Fyli — and I believe a concessionaire will soon be selected. There is also the issue of land use, so housing can be developed in the area. Another ambitious project is the relocation of the intercity bus terminal. And of course, there are the broader redevelopment works.

Panathinaikos’ stadium is one part of our overall plan for the area. We have now entered the phase where we can begin to see parts of the stadium, and the goal remains for Panathinaikos to move into its new, large, modern stadium by summer 2027. The coordination between governments and Athens municipal authorities is proceeding smoothly, and in this context, we are determined to address delays in the two accompanying projects.

I am pleased that the Panathinaikos stadium here in Votanikos is progressing. Panathinaikos deserves it. The other two major teams of the capital already have their own stadiums, and there is a similar plan for Thessaloniki as well,” he wrote on Facebook.