Limassol: As the final preparations are underway at the renovated “Spyros Kyprianou” Athletic Center, where the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Group C matches begin on Thursday, 28 August, the Limassol Municipality and the EuroBasket Organising Committee emphasize the importance of utilising the state-of-the-art facilities for future events.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Dimos Katsis, toured the athletic center and were briefed by officials on the upgrades that have been made. It was noted that these improvements provide Limassol with the opportunity to host major international events.
In statements to CNA, Armeftis expressed his enthusiasm and pride that Limassol now has “a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting any international competition.” He highlighted that this development positions Limassol on the map for events and competitions of pan-European and global significance. On behalf of the municipal authority, he congratulated the Organising Committee and all those who contributed to the successful hosting of EuroBasket 2025 at the athletic center.
Armeftis also expressed confidence that the coming days will provide thousands of foreign visitors, as well as locals, with the opportunity to enjoy basketball matches and “unique experiences.” He pointed out that, through pan-European and global television broadcasts, Cyprus’ ability to host such high-caliber sporting events will be highlighted.
“From Limassol’s side, we have been coordinating for several months now, with a committee chaired by the Deputy Mayor, and various events have been and are being planned,” stated Armeftis, while announcing that the EuroBasket Fan Zone officially opened yesterday at the Old Port Square, featuring various activities and events.
Additionally, Armeftis noted that the EuroBasket event provides an opportunity to promote both basketball and sports in general, through an athletic center that “has nothing to envy from any other modern stadium in Europe.” He emphasized that the next day poses a challenge for the athletic center, recalling “phenomena, such as the Olympic Games, which leave behind unused stadiums and large facilities.”
“This is the big challenge, and as a Local Authority, we are interested in ensuring that this stadium remains a protagonist, capable of hosting games and events. It is the responsibility of the State and all of us to protect it through the best possible management so that it can be enjoyed by the people of Limassol and athletes alike,” he concluded.
The President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF), Andreas Mouzouridis, thanked the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and the entire Municipal Council for embracing the event, describing it as a “flawless collaboration with mutual benefits.” He also noted that the event leaves a legacy for Limassol – a “state-of-the-art arena” that must be utilised by the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO), which owns it, “but also by all of us involved in sports.” Mouzouridis emphasized the need for Federations to plan substantial and large-scale events to fully benefit from the arena.
Mouzouridis underlined that, beyond the success of the event, the Organising Committee’s primary concern is the future of basketball in Cyprus. He emphasized the importance of transferring the expertise and knowledge gained back into the sport to grow the base and attract more athletes to basketball.
Thanking the Government, the President of the Republic, the Minister of Transport, the CSO, the project contractor, and everyone who worked toward this goal, the President of the Organising Committee invited everyone to “live these unique moments” and promised “an unforgettable and unparalleled experience.”
Furthermore, the President of the Organising Committee for EuroBasket 2025 in Cyprus, Marc Clerides, told CNA that with the renovation of the “Spyros Kyprianou” arena, Limassol has acquired “a state-of-the-art gem capable of hosting major European events for any sport.” He noted that the renovation, completed within tight deadlines, was a “major challenge for the Organising Committee.”
Clerides expressed pride for Cyprus and its sports-loving community and encouraged everyone to support the Cyprus National Team in its first match against Bosnia.