Minister says similar projects planned to boost sports infrastructure nationwide

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades expressed pride on Wednesday during a presentation of the newly upgraded Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre in Limassol, ahead of its role as a host venue for FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

“I am very proud of the entire team behind the renovation of this stadium, and for delivering it on time,” he said during a press conference following a behind-the-scenes tour for members of the press.

Along with Vafeades was Mark Klerides, chairman of the EuroBasket 2025 organising committee, and Andreas Mouzourides, president of the Cyprus Basketball Federation.

“The tournament was the pretext, if you will, for us to have improved this arena and it will be utilised and enjoyed for many years to come,” Vafeades said.

In this context, he emphasised that the benefits of the project extend far beyond basketball.

“Limassol residents will be able to enjoy a modern place of sports, able to host major events, concerts and conferences,” he said.

“There is already interest in how this stadium can be used in the future,” he added.

“The park and ride area outside the stadium is another benefit, so the gains are multifaceted,” he explained.

The €14.5 million project represents not a simple renovation, but a comprehensive overhaul that has transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art sports venue.

Spanning 17,000 square metres, the stadium now boasts 8,000 seats, including VIP areas, luxurious locker rooms, expanded accessibility for people with disabilities, and a fully modernised press area featuring desks, screens and high-speed internet.

The entire core infrastructure was overhauled, with new lighting, electrical and ventilation systems, air conditioning, acoustics, and full high-speed cabling installed.

Locker rooms were fully rebuilt, reducing their number from eight to four but significantly improving their quality, with officials noting they now surpass facilities in many comparable stadiums.

Additional changing rooms and internal halls were partially refurbished to meet the tournament’s specific requirements.

New permanent stands, long planned but previously unrealised, were finally installed along with extra mobile seating.

Emergency, safety, and accessibility exits were constructed to meet the latest legislative standards.

A full CCTV system, now mandatory under Cypriot law, was introduced for the first time.

Video displays, digital scoreboards, professional-grade equipment, and new flooring complete the internal transformation, while exterior landscaping, new signage and a park-and-ride system were added to improve the visitor experience.

During the press conference, Vafeades stressed the government’s broader ambitions regarding sports infrastructure on the island.

“The government is planning to make similar investments in other sports projects across Cyprus,” he said.

“It is important to promote sports, both among the youth but also for people of all ages,” he added.

On his part, Mouzourides recalled the origins of the project. “This started as an idea during the pandemic,” he said, referencing a conversation with Athos Antoniou, director of the Cypriot Basketball Federation and head of the EuroBasket 2025 local organising committee.

“Athos from FIBA Europe suggested this idea that would allow us to engage the basketball community in Cyprus,” he said.

He also credited the public works department for its contribution to entire effort.

“It’s easy to judge them from a distance but they are excellent professionals and we are thankful to have worked with them,” he said.

“They exceeded expectations and worked on weekends and holidays to have enabled the completion of this project,” he added.

Mouzourides also extended gratitude to the minister for his continuous support. “We thank the minister for putting up with our comments, feedback and other needs throughout the whole process,” he said.

“When there is a vision and faith in what you want to achieve, it doesn’t matter how small you are,” he stressed, in reference to Cyprus’ stature and what it has achieved by co-hosting the tournament.

He mentioned that Cyprus is already drawing international attention for its successful delivery.

“Other countries and federations have reached out to us to see how they could also host such an event,” he said.

Klerides, who comes from the private sector, spoke about the quality of the work delivered.

“We did not know what we would find in a public infrastructure project,” he said.

“However, we are all impressed by the quality of work we saw from the public sector,” he added.

Looking ahead, Klerides stressed the importance of utilising the facility beyond the tournament.

“Like other sectors, this stadium must be used continuously,” he said.

“It has to be put in use throughout the year whether from the public or private sector,” he explained.

“This facility can attract conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and many other events,” he added.

Klerides underscored the broader value of such international events. “Governments thinking of pursuing major tournaments need to learn their value,” he said.

“It provides a boost to the country’s image that money cannot buy,” he added.

He also stated that “this stadium has a lifetime of another 15 to 20 years so we have to put it to use”.

“It will also help increase interest in basketball in Cyprus,” he continued. “In addition, the event also help to spread the culture of volunteerism”.

Meanwhile, Mouzourides outlined plans for the arena after EuroBasket 2025. “We have already planned the next day regarding basketball,” he said.

“It will be the home stadium for all basketball national teams, men and women,” he explained.

“It will also host qualifying games for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, whose finals will be held in Doha,” he said.

“Beyond that, we will host the all star game here,” he added, explaining that the renovated stadium will in turn enhance the event itself.

“There are also some other developments which are in the works but not yet concluded,” he said.

On potential games involving Israeli teams, Mouzourides said that discussions are ongoing.

“In terms of Israeli teams playing here, the picture is not yet clear,” he said.

“But it is flattering to the stadium for it to be considered,” he added.

Addressing security concerns amid current global tensions, Mouzourides reassured the press.

“FIBA Europe in times of crisis, including the pandemic and, more recently, the war in Ukraine, always monitors developments and is ready to take the necessary measures to safeguard fans and athletes,” he said.

“So far, there are no concerns,” he added.

“We hope everything that is happening in the world is resolved and we return to peace,” he said.

Vafeades further reiterated the government’s responsibility to ensure the venue remains operational and valuable.

“We are obligated to make this stadium work and provide services to the world of sports,” he said.

“We are also exploring how to further utilise it and not allow it to fall into disrepair,” he added, referencing the state it was in before the renovation.

The host of the press conference summarised the news disclosed during the event by saying that “Limassol will become the capital of basketball in Cyprus for the next few years.

Returning to the value of the tournament, Klerides said that hosting EuroBasket 2025 will also bring significant economic benefits.

“The contribution to Cyprus’ GDP is approximately €17 million from hosting EuroBasket,” he said.

“There are many benefits, including in the hospitality sector, such as restaurants and hotels, both in Limassol and elsewhere in Cyprus,” he added.

“We are expecting 3,000 to 5,000 unique visitors according to an EY study,” he mentioned.

The press tour also included visiting the fully equipped press room, mixed zone and press conference area, all part of what officials described as an investment in both sports and the nation’s future image.