Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium
nickname =


fullname =
location = Larnaca, Cyprus
coordinates =
broke_ground =
built = 1986
opened = 1986
renovated = 1997, 2005
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner =
operator =
surface = grass
construction_cost =
architect =
former_names =
tenants = Anorthosis Famagusta
seating_capacity = 9,782
dimensions =

Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium is the home of Anorthosis Famagusta and it was built in 1986 in the city of Larnaca. The ground was given the name of a man who helped Anorthosis in various ways through the years. The initial capacity of the ground was about 6,000 but gradually increased during the years to 13,000. After a major recondition in 1997, capacity reduced to 9,319 (all seated). In 2005 the east stand was named "Quality Stand" after the club's main sponsor. "Quality Stand" is a two story stand which holds the newly-build VIP Boxes (upper story), Press Room, Dressing Rooms, Bar etc.

In 2006 the stadium went through another recondition including the building of VIP Boxes in the upper section of west stand, the launching of the automatic ticketing issue and entrance system, the replacment of metal front fence with clear plexiglass for security reasons and for maximum field view. Also some other facitities are offered in the west stand such as new restrooms, bar, fan's shop etc. After new work on the stadium in 2008, the capacity has increased to 9,782.

Anorthosis and the other Famagusta team, Nea Salamis FC, used to play until 1974 in G.S.E. Stadium in Famagusta. After Anorthosis became a 'refugee team' following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus when Famagusta fell under Turkish occupation, the team played home matches at several stadiums like Dasaki Stadium in Dasaki Achnas, old and new GSZ Stadium in Larnaca and Tsirion Stadium in Limassol.

The ground is approved by UEFA for European games. It has hosted some matches of the Cyprus national football team. In that stadium, Cyprus national team achieved its greatest success against Spain by a score 3-2 in the Euro 2000 qualifiers on September 5th 1998. On May 16, 1992, the stadium hosted the 1992 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship Third position final between Italy and Portugal, where Italy won 1-0.

External links

* [http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/cyprus/larnaca_papadopoulos.shtml Stadium photo]