AEK Arena - George Karapatakis

The AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis is a modern football stadium located in Larnaca, Cyprus. Completed in 2016, it is the home ground of AEK Larnaca FC, one of the most successful football teams in Cyprus. The stadium has a total seating capacity of 8,000 and is classified as a UEFA Category 3 stadium.

The stadium's official name is the AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis, named in memory of Georgios Karapatakis, the father of AEK's president, Andros Karapatakis.

Stadium History:

The AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis was built in Larnaca next to the Neo GSZ, which was the home of the team from its foundation in 1994 until 2016. 

The stadium in its final form will have a capacity of 8,000 seats, divided into four stands. The West central stand was named Georgios Karapatakis (1885 seats), the East stand AJK Group (2008 seats), the South stand Petrolina (1706 seats), and the North stand Larnaca (1704 seats). Each stand is further divided into various sections bearing the names of regions and villages of the province of Larnaca.

The cost of the construction of the stadium is estimated at approximately €8.5 million, of which €1 million came from the purchase of shares by the Members and friends of AEK. The stadium was built in two phases, with the first phase starting on September 7, 2015, and being completed a year later. The foundation stone laying ceremony was held on November 16, 2015, by the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis.

The premiere of the stadium took place on October 17, 2016, with the match of the 7th game of the AEK-Aris championship, with AEK winning 4-0.

Location:

The AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis is located in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus. It is conveniently located near Larnaca International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Getting there:

There are several transportation options available to visitors who want to get to the AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis. The most convenient way is to take a taxi or rent a car, both of which can be easily arranged at the airport or in the city centre.

Another option is to take a bus to the stadium. Several bus lines serve the area, including the 419 and 429, which run from Larnaca city centre to the stadium. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tickets:

Tickets for AEK Larnaca FC matches can be purchased online or at the stadium on match day. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular matches or during peak seasons. Ticket prices vary depending on the match and seating section, with prices starting from €10 for general admission. The stadium has several seating sections, including VIP and family sections, which offer a more comfortable and exclusive match-day experience.

AEK Larnaca FC - Team History and Achievements:

AEK Larnaca FC was founded in 1994 and has since become one of the most successful football teams in Cyprus. The team has won several domestic trophies, including the Cypriot Cup and the Cypriot Super Cup.

In addition to its domestic success, AEK Larnaca FC has also had some notable performances in European competitions. In the 2018-2019 season, the team reached the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, making history as the first Cypriot team to achieve this feat.