The Ellinikon Sports Park, a new destination dedicated to sport, wellbeing and active living, officially opened its gates on 20 July and is now being gradually handed over to the community.
Located at the heart of Europe’s largest urban regeneration project, The Ellinikon Sports Park extends across 287,000 sq m and is among the first destinations within The Ellinikon to open to the public. It aims to become a new landmark on the Athens Riviera while reshaping the relationship between the city, its people, physical activity, wellbeing and public space. An open-air athletics track, football pitches, basketball courts and tennis courts are among the advanced facilities already being enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Just a few days before its official opening, more than 3,000 people had the opportunity to enjoy a memorable experience combining sport, participation and entertainment. Across three special evenings organised by LAMDA Development, audiences gathered to watch the two World Cup semi-finals and the final.
The public responded enthusiastically to LAMDA Development’s open invitation, transforming the new Sports Park into a meeting place for people of all ages during one of world football’s greatest celebrations. Visitors were among the first to experience the new, open and fully accessible destination for sport, wellbeing, social connection and public events.
The matches were shown on three giant screens installed within the athletics stadium. Alongside the football action, guests enjoyed a full programme of surprises, competitions and prizes.
Adding particular sporting significance to the occasion was the presence of celebrated members of Greece’s 2004 national football team: Antonis Nikopolidis, Giorgos Karagounis, Angelos Charisteas, Kostas Katsouranis and Angelos Basinas. The European champions joined spectators in the stands and throughout the venue, bringing the spirit and legacy of one of the most important achievements in Greek sporting history to the events.
The football spectacle was accompanied by expert commentary from Aimilios Oikonomidis. Presenters Fanis Lampropoulos, who hosted the two semi-finals, and Giorgos Lianos, who led the World Cup final evening, kept the energy high throughout all three events. The final saw Spain crowned world champions.
The three World Cup evenings were among the first major public events hosted at The Ellinikon Sports Park, following the successful staging of the EKO Acropolis Rally 2026 Super Special Stage. The strong public attendance further demonstrated the momentum already developing around The Ellinikon as a new destination open to society, offering shared experiences and introducing a new approach to urban life.
The sponsors of the three World Cup evenings were:
- ENA Athletics
- Eurobank / Mastercard
- Trace ’n Chase
- Coca-Cola
- Pietris Catering
- Adidas
In keeping with LAMDA Development’s continued commitment to environmental protection and recycling, all three evenings were organised as low-waste events. A Recycling Corner operated by TEXAN throughout the programme, supporting the responsible collection and management of waste.
