#TDS22 Guest Q&A: Apollon Limassol’s Christoforos Matheou

Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit 2022, we caught up with Christoforos Matheou, ticketing and operations director at Apollon Limassol, to discuss the Cypriot First Division football club’s plans for a new stadium.

Apollon currently shares Tsirio Stadium with AEL Limassol and Aris Limassol but the club is hoping to move into the new Limassol Arena in the coming months…

TheStadiumBusiness: What’s exciting you in the field of stadium design at present?

Christoforos Matheou: “Stadium design is essential in terms of, first and foremost, the safety of fans, and secondly the experience they have when they visit the stadium.

“What excites me the most in modern stadia is how innovative and smart stadium design can create an environment that enables fans to express their passion without limiting them, while at the same time ensuring their safety. Proper stadium design can provide different experiences for different segments of fans, whether they are ultras, families or VIPs.

“Moreover, I believe that stadiums that are designed as multi-purpose venues are the future, because they maximise revenue and provide opportunities for people in the stadium’s region. A great example of this is the new Santiago Bernabeu project, which transforms one of the most traditional stadiums in Europe into an entertainment ‘Mecca’ that can host any type of event.”

TSB: What’s in the pipeline for Apollon Limassol over the next six to 12 months?

CM: “The new Apollon Limassol FC stadium is the dream of thousands of fans, a dream that is only a couple of months away from being reality.

“Just the prospect of the new stadium has tripled the previous season ticket record, since fans are eager to reserve their seat and experience what promises to be the best stadium experience in Cyprus.

“From an entire ultra stand, to three floors of VIP hospitality areas with boxes and suites, to pre-match fan zones and other features, Limassol Arena will offer something for everyone and will become the hub for all Apollon fans.

“The stadium will host all domestic and European matches of the club, as well as national team matches, concerts, conventions and tournaments. The stadium’s grand opening ceremony will be hosted during the inaugural game and will include a pre-match fan zone, stadium tours, a lightshow before kick-off, half-time activities and hopefully a historic win for the team.”

TSB: What are you most looking forward to about the Summit?

CM: “The 2021 edition of the Summit was my first and I can say that it was an amazing experience, both as a speaker but also as an attendee.

“I am looking forward to be back in a room full of industry professionals and experts, who are able to offer their knowledge, input and services in various domains that can help myself and, consequently, Apollon FC to remain at the forefront of the industry and provide essential tools for the proper utilisation of the new stadium.”

Explore the future of stadium design with Christoforos Matheou and 400+ stadium industry leaders – exclusively at #TDS22.

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