Panathinaikos Stadium on Track for 2026 Completion, Says Athens Mayor

Works in progress at the new Panathinaikos stadium site. Photo source: Athens Municipality.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis has recently announced that the Panathinaikos Stadium construction in Votanikos is progressing according to plan and the stadium is expected to be ready for use in 2026.

The Mayor made the announcement during an interview to local Greek radio station Sport FM where he discussed the development of the project and its various phases.

According to Bakoyannis, the first contract is already underway, and includes the removal of hazardous material, such as 2,500 square meters of asbestos cement sheets, which will be recycled in Sweden.

He also mentioned that the demolition of 20 buildings is also currently taking place in the area and waste and non-hazardous material are being removed from the site.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

Bakoyannis noted that all previous obstacles have been overcome. “Funding is now secured, all of the project’s studies are up to date, we have the consent of the Panathinaikos family, which was particularly important. A lot of work has been done in a fairly short period of time,” he said.

The Mayor added that although the project is complex and multidimensional, it is progressing according to plan. “Looking ahead, I don’t see any reason to worry because we have overcome all difficulties.”

Bakoyannis also discussed the complementary infrastructure projects in the Votanikos area, noting that they are the exclusive responsibility of the Athens Municipality. He explained that 50 percent of the total area will be green spaces, transforming the site in a new city within the city with new infrastructure, roads, networks, and public lighting.

Photorealistic view of the future Panathinaikos Stadium in Votanikos.

Regarding the project’s funding Bakoyannis stated that 50 percent comes from the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the other half from national resources, and is absolutely guaranteed. “I don’t see a problem. We have moved forward and implemented projects even in times of great economic hardship in this country,” he added.

Bakoyannis also touched upon the second phase of the redevelopment of the former Panathinaikos Stadium on Alexandras Avenue. He reiterated that the park scheduled to be created is absolutely defined by the Presidential Decree and cannot be changed under any circumstances.