Greek authorities have decided to close the Olympic Stadium in Athens because of concerns about the stability of its steel roof, an architectural gem built for the 2004 Athens Olympics signed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
The decision to close the facility came after a study revealed safety issues with the roofing of the stadium – and the neighboring velodrome – that were unsatisfactory “the legally required level of static suitability”.
Both facilities are located in the Athens Olympic Center (OAKA). the largest sports complex in Greece The approximately one square kilometer site was the venue for the 2004 Games. Since then, however, there has been a lack of adequate maintenance.
With its 70,000 seats the stadium, which bears the name Spyros Louis, The Greek athlete, who won the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896, hosts important events throughout the year Sporting events and concerts that draw large crowds, like Guns N’ Roses’ this summer.
Panathinaikos, one of the capital’s three football clubs, recently used the facility for UEFA Europa League home games, play against the Spanish team Villarreal.
Sports Minister Yiannis Vroutsis said this last Friday The decision to close the plants was “painful”. and that you are trying to find the best solution for the location “Where the heart of Greek sport beats”.
opened in 1982, The stadium also hosted two Champions League finals, in 1994 and 2007.
The Conservative government, elected in July for a second four-year term, received Criticism of the state of abandonment. In 2021, he promised to renew it and commission a study on the stability of the structures.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter): Stefanos Kasselakis, the recently elected leader of the left-wing opposition Syriza, He defined the stadium as “the symbol of a country that is collapsing on all levels; a state that leaves everything and everyone to their own fate.”
Monday the Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis defended the government’s actions, saying that “Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who decided to evaluate these structures, is the one who is being rebuked by the opposition.”