Security Measures for Conference League Final in Nea Philadelphia
Nea Philadelphia is under heightened security and traffic regulations for the Conference League final between Olympiakos and Fiorentina at Opap Arena. Over 5,000 police officers, supported by State Security, Anti-Terrorism, and National Intelligence Service, are deployed. Five control zones around the stadium will allow entry only to ticket holders, UEFA accreditation, or special resident passes.
Fan Circulation and Checkpoints
Olympiakos Fans will gather at Peace and Friendship Stadium, take Electric trains from Neos Faliro to Perissos, and then walk to Opap Arena escorted by police. The Fiorentina Fans will meet at OAKA parking lot and via busses head to Dekelias Avenue.
Fans of football will gather at Thisio, and head via train to Perissos, or use Irini station.
Additional Security Measures
There will be helicopters and drones that will monitor from the air, with a NOTAM restricting other flights from 2 PM to 6 AM Thursday. Also, metal detectors will check pedestrians and vehicles near Aetos Square. Fans must carry ID, wear finalist badges, and avoid large backpacks. Moreover, within the stadium, 120 volunteer EKAB rescuers and fire departments will be on standby.
Traffic and Local Impact
The Opap Arena and Nea Philadelphia Grove have been secured by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department and trained dogs. Notably, traffic bans and restrictions cover a 2-kilometer radius around the stadium, affecting New Philadelphia, Nea Ionia, and Metamorfosi. Simultaneously, traffic on Dekelia Avenue will halt from noon, and the Athens-Lamia National Highway will close after 5 PM. Residents near Opap Arena will need special permission to circulate.
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More than 5,000 police officers on foot
The press representative of the Hellenic Police, Konstantina Dimoglidou, was hosted on SKAI television on the morning of Wednesday, May 29, and spoke extensively about all the measures ahead of the Conference League final in Nea Philadelphia.
She stated that the police have already been on their feet since Monday, EL.AS. has been preparing for today for 4 months with continuous meetings with representatives of UEFA and the two teams. Mrs. Dimoglidou initially underlined that it is a great event, a celebration of European football, stressing the need for such strict measures.
Additionally, emphasized was the need for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods to travel with their special permission, also claimed was that train Line 1 would not be available for citizens from 5 pm, therefore the only way to commute by public transport would be either from the Neo Faliro for those with ‘red’ tickets (Olympiakos fans), either from OAKA with buses for ‘blue’ ticket holders (Fiorentina fans) or from Thisio and Irini for holders of ‘white’ tickets.
Stressed was that in every big event, there are many risks and threats. For this reason, the participation of both the Anti-Terrorist and the EYP, inside the stadium, was deemed necessary. On Sunday morning, the entire stadium was thoroughly checked by the Greek Police while today alone 5,000 police officers have been deployed.
Finally, Mrs. Dimoglidou assured the complete safety of the fans also when leaving the stadium after the end of the final, expressing that people would leave the same way they arrived: escorted by police with buses for Fiorentina fans and then Olympiacos fans from Perissos to Neo Faliro,” he said, adding that the measures will cease to apply when he returns. and the last sports fan at his destination.
