Didn’t this modern structure start its life as an Olympic venue? This is the Ano Liosia Olympic Hall, now known as the SUNEL Arena. It stands as a testament to Athens’ enduring sporting spirit. Originally built for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, the Ano Liosia Olympic Hall hosted judo and wrestling events.
Fast forward to today. The arena has transformed into a multi-purpose venue. It hosts basketball games, concerts, and various martial arts tournaments. Since 2021, it’s been the home of AEK B.C. for Greek Basket League and Basketball Champions League games.
Imagine the roar of the crowd as AEK B.C. battles rivals on the court. The arena can hold up to 9,025 fans for basketball games. For concerts, it can accommodate an impressive 11,600 spectators. This makes it the third-largest basketball arena in Greece. Only O.A.C.A. Olympic Indoor Hall and Peace and Friendship Stadium are bigger.
The Ano Liosia Olympic Hall wasn’t always just a basketball stadium. In the years following the 2004 Olympics, it served as a stage for television productions. It even hosted the Greek version of “So You Think You Can Dance”.
In a touching tribute, the gym inside the arena was renamed “Stevan Jelovac Gymnasium”. This honors Stevan Jelovac, a Serbian player who tragically passed away. His number 13 jersey was also retired by AEK B.C.
The SUNEL Arena has also hosted crucial FIBA World Cup qualifying matches. In 2022, Greece secured a thrilling victory against Turkey here. In 2023, they triumphed over Serbia in an overtime game.
More recently, the Ano Liosia Olympic Hall hosted the Elite League Final Four. Milonas claimed the championship and secured promotion to the Basket League.
In a groundbreaking move, AEK BC partnered with SUNEL Group in 2024. This led to the arena being renamed SUNEL Arena. It’s the first time a Greek basketball team has sold its home arena’s naming rights. The arena aims to achieve a zero-carbon footprint. This reflects AEK’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Getting here is easy. You can take the suburban railway to Ano Liosia Station. Then transfer to bus line 749. Alternatively, bus line B12 from Attiki Metro Station will get you close. For drivers, exit 5 on the Attiki Odos highway provides access.
Beyond sports, the SUNEL Arena has become a destination for live music. It hosted its first rap concert in 2024. Albanian superstar Noizy headlined the event. A week later, it transformed for its debut techno event.
Even tennis has graced this arena. In 2024, Greece faced Romania in the Davis Cup here. Led by Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek team secured a decisive victory.
From Olympic glory to basketball showdowns and musical performances, the Ano Liosia Olympic Hall, now the SUNEL Arena, continues to evolve. It remains a vibrant hub of sports and entertainment in Athens.