Ahead of the European Basketball Championship, the renovated Spirou Kyprianou Stadium was unveiled in Limassol on Wednesday, June 18.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafiaridis visited the sports facility, accompanied by FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Organizing Committee Chairman Mark Clerides and Cyprus Basketball Federation President Andreas Mouzourides.
Vafiadis expressed pride in the work that had been done, emphasizing that the facility had been transformed into a modern, multifunctional sports complex. Vafiadis said that the tournament was an excellent opportunity to modernize the infrastructure, which will benefit the city and the entire country for years to come.
He expressed his sincere pride in the entire team that worked on the stadium's reconstruction, completing the project on time and to a high standard. The stadium can host not only sporting events but also other large-scale events, such as concerts and international conferences. Interest in using the stadium after the EuroBasket tournament has already been expressed, the minister noted at a press conference before inspecting the facility.
The reconstruction of the 17,000-square-meter stadium cost €14.5 million. After the renovation, the sports facility can accommodate 8,000 spectators. It has a VIP area, completely renovated changing rooms, accessible spaces for people with disabilities, modern digital scoreboards and video displays, and a press area with high-speed internet. Additionally, a park-and-ride facility that meets international safety standards was built near the stadium.
The facility has the latest lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, and sound systems, and its engineering networks have been completely renovated. Four high-quality changing rooms replace eight old ones and surpass those of many European stadiums of a similar level.
The stadium has new fixed and mobile stands, emergency exits, and a video surveillance system installed for the first time in accordance with new legal requirements. The area around the stadium has been landscaped and is now equipped with navigation signs.
Andreas Mousourides emphasized that the project began during the pandemic when the idea arose to draw international attention to Cypriot basketball.
He expressed his gratitude to the Department of Public Works, the engineers, and the minister for their support throughout the process.
He noted that when there is vision and belief, even a small country like Cyprus can become part of a major, world-class basketball event.
Mousourides also discussed the next steps after EuroBasket 2025 is completed. He noted that the renovated arena will become the official home for all Cyprus national teams, including both the men's and women's teams.
The stadium will host qualifying matches for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the final of which will take place in Doha. An All-Star Game is also planned. According to Mouzourides, other initiatives are being discussed and planned.
In response to questions about security in light of the current international situation, Mousourides assured that FIBA Europe is closely monitoring the situation worldwide and is prepared to take measures to protect fans and athletes. Currently, there are no concerns.
Mark Clerides, representing the private sector, emphasized that the project has exceeded all expectations.
He emphasized the need to make the most of the modernized arena after the tournament. He added that the renovated stadium is designed to last 15 to 20 years. Discussing the broader significance of international events, Clerides stressed that hosting tournaments of this scale raises the country's profile on the international stage.
We were all impressed by the quality of work carried out by the public sector. Clerides said it is important that this facility be used year-round for concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events.
By the end of the press conference, the key message was clear: Limassol will be the basketball capital of Cyprus for years to come. The press tour concluded with a visit to the fully renovated stadium. According to officials, the stadium is an integral part of the strategy to promote sports and Cyprus's positive international image.