Spata Training Centre

Spata Training Centre
The Spata Training Centre is the name given to AEK Athens' training complex, located in Athens metropolitan area, in Spata area near Athens International Airport. Also hosting the club's youth academy.
The facility replaced the old Thrakomakedones Training Centre, which was in use until 2010.
History
The new architecturally designed AEK Training Centre has been built since 2010 and it is located in Spata, Attica. It is the home of the club's team and academy and is recognized as one of the best in the Balkans. The initial cost of its construction was 15 million euros. In 2013, the training center was modernized, with the creation of the most modern rehabilitation center in Greece and the construction of the 3rd plastic turf field for the needs of the Academies, the cost of which reached 5.5 milion euros.
The modern facility - which includes two natural grass pitches, an artificial pitch, world-class player preparation areas, pool and hydrotherapy complex, altitude room, large-scale gymnasium and specialist sports rehabilitation suites - will support the club's ambitions to attract, develop and retain the highest quality talent.
Since 2014, the official name of the ground is "OPAP Sports Centre".. Alongside the Sports Centre, Dimitris Melissanidis managed to buy another 70 acres of land at this area for a price of €5.5m, in order to enlarge team's Training Centre by constructing more football fields and buildings for the hospitality of team's footballers.
Since then, AEK has been using the said facilities on an area of 144 acres, within which the training center expands.
Facilities
The training center has three football pitches, two of which meet the dimensional requirements of the International Association Football Federation (FIFA). The third of these was built three years later than the others, in 2013. Two of the three have natural turf and a drainage system.
In detail training center has:
2 natural grass football pitches
Pitch 1: (105 x 68 metres)
Pitch 2: (105 x 68 metres)
1 Fieldturf pitche (105 x 68 metres) with capacity for 280 spectators approximately
2 Αcademy facilities
1 Main building which includes:
Offices
1 Gymnasium
1 Press Area
2 Multipurpose hall
Rehabilitations rooms
Dressing room
Mini Pools
Jacuzzi
Spa
Sauna
Guest house
Seraphidio Stadium
Last addition since April 2022 to AEK FC sports center is «Seraphidio», the main field with stands, which was built to host the matches of AEK B and also the friendly games of the first team.
It got its name in memory of the legendary goalkeeper of AEK Stelios Serafidis. The construction of Serafideio is similar to the old stadium of AEK Nikos Goumas, with many appearance similarities
The stadium has a capacity of 3000 seats with 2 separate stands on the east and the south side, while it is expected to be expanded by building another stand on the west side reaching the capacity of about 4000 to 5000 seats. It is of UEFA Level B standard, which means it can host up to a UEFA Youth League final.
Expansion plans
In May 2023, the plan for the further expansion of the training center under the name AEK SportCity was officially announced, which foresees the construction of:
3rd stand at Serafideio
x2 Parking
x2 Academy Training Grounds
Tennis court
Swimming pool
5-star hotel with a total area of 5000 sq.m. which will consist of:
Ground floor: Parking, AEK Shop, Gym, Play Room, Smart Room & Smart Technology, Outdoor cafe bar, central bar, Library, Restaurant, Lounge
First floor: 24 rooms, 2 suites and a multi-purpose room
Second floor: 20 rooms and 2 suites
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025
References
External links
Inside look at AEK Athens training facility
Sports venues in Athens
AEK Athens F.C.
AEK Athens
Sports venues completed in 2010
2010 establishments in Greece