The renovation works at the National Kaυtanzoglio Stadium in Thessaloniki appear to be just around the corner, following a meeting between Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis, the stadium’s management, and representatives of ANETH AOTA. During the meeting, the relevant agreements were signed for state funding of €11.5 million, a development that clears the path for construction work to begin.
Read also: PAOK: Contract signed for relocation to Kaυtanzoglio Stadium
According to Minister Vroutsis, “the tender documents for the project will be published by mid-October,” marking the formal launch of the procurement process. The minister noted that the only potential cause for delay would be the submission of objections during the 35-day period following the tender publication. “If no objections are filed, a contractor will be selected and the bulldozers will move in,” he made clear.
Reflecting on the stadium’s condition, the Sports Minister recalled: “When I took over the Ministry of Sports, I was forced to close the stadium because, for decades, no upgrade works had been carried out and the facility lacked the necessary safety standards.”
With the €11.5 million investment — as previously reported by Voria.gr — the stadium is set for a major transformation. Among the planned works are the resurfacing of the athletics track, a full reconstruction of the auxiliary pitch, and the installation of roofing structures. Minister Vroutsis emphasized that Kaυtanzoglio is not solely a football venue, as many athletes and members of the public regularly use its athletics track for training. “Kaυtanzoglio will become the OAKA of Northern Greece,” he repeated, stressing that the stadium will be turned into a true sporting landmark.
Kaυtanzoglio: What the upgrade means for Iraklis and PAOK — aim is to be ready for European duties
Minister Vroutsis confirmed that any money spent by PAE Iraklis on stadium improvements will be offset against the club’s financial obligations to the venue — such as rental costs — and deducted accordingly. A similar arrangement will apply when PAOK eventually relocates to Kaυtanzoglio during the construction of the new Toumba Stadium.
The minister also stated that during the renovation works, the goal is for Iraklis to remain at the stadium throughout. Another key objective for the Kaυtanzoglio management is to have the facility ready to host PAOK as early as next summer, should the club have European commitments. However, the stadium will need to meet UEFA’s requirements, as failure to comply with the governing body’s standards would prevent PAOK from hosting European matches there.
Regarding the pitch surface, the president of the National Kaυtanzoglio Stadium, Stergios Balodimos, reiterated that “this is a project that Iraklis has contracted to carry out,” under an agreement the club has signed with the construction company handling the works.
Both officials described the day as a landmark moment, expressing optimism about what lies ahead.
PAOK Athletic Club honors Sports Minister Vroutsis — “We want to play here this summer”
The Sports Minister received a surprise during his visit, as a delegation from PAOK Athletic Club was also present at Kaυtanzoglio to honor him. PAOK Athletic Club president Nikolas Paraskeυopoulos presented Minister Vroutsis with a team banner, saying the minister “is committed to elevating the standards of sport in Greece.” He also declared: “We want to play at Kaυtanzoglio this summer.”
Minister Vroutsis said the honor bestowed by the PAOK officials was both a great privilege and a recognition of his work. The two sides subsequently held a private meeting at the Kaυtanzoglio facilities to discuss matters relating to PAOK Athletic Club.
