PAOK New Stadium: A Cultural Landmark Unveiled

PAOK FC has officially revealed the design for its new stadium. This marks a significant urban and cultural transformation in the Toumba district of Thessaloniki. The project is led by project management firm SALFO and designed by global architectural practice Populous. It aims to create a civic landmark that extends beyond sports to integrate with the city’s daily life and urban fabric.

A Comprehensive Urban Vision Reshaping the Heart of Toumba

The new stadium serves as the centerpiece of a broader urban regeneration plan. This plan seeks to reconnect the club with the surrounding community. The design weaves the stadium into the existing structure of Thessaloniki through a network of green corridors, open public squares, and pocket parks that promote community interaction.

Interior stands of the stadium showing a unified seating layout that brings fans closer to the pitch. — The continuous seating design creates a “fan wall” that amplifies acoustics and strengthens the sense of unity among PAOK supporters.

One of the plan’s major elements involves relocating Kleanthous Street underground. This change frees the surface for pedestrian movement, creating a seamless public realm. The stadium itself will rest on a 360-degree podium, allowing for flexible access. It will separate crowd groups during events while enabling the space to function as a multi-purpose public zone on non-event days.

Architecture Rooted in the Club’s Identity and Heritage

The design draws inspiration from PAOK’s emblem the double-headed eagle symbolizing both hope and remembrance in the club’s history. The stadium’s form aims to express this symbol in a contemporary architectural language. It embraces the community and reflects the energy and legacy of the team.

The new stadium surrounded by green walkways and public squares, integrating it into the surrounding urban fabric. — The stadium’s influence extends beyond its structure, connecting with daily urban life through plazas and pedestrian corridors.

A Civic Plaza Connecting the Club to the City

At the heart of the development lies “PAOK Plaza,” a central gathering space featuring the club museum, official store, and a variety of cafes and amenities. This plaza serves as the public face of the stadium and a direct link between the club and city life. There is potential for phased commercial development that supports year-round activity beyond matchdays.

A Stadium Bowl Designed for Atmosphere and Unity

Internally, the seating bowl is configured to echo the intense atmosphere of the old Toumba Stadium. A continuous, low-tier arrangement brings spectators closer to the field, enhancing the visual and acoustic experience of matches.

The West Stand is dedicated to hospitality and VIP areas. It is designed to maintain uninterrupted seating rows while offering proximity to the pitch. Meanwhile, the North Stand revives the iconic “Gate 4” section. This is in tribute to the club’s most loyal supporters and keeps with the club’s historical traditions.

Architectural plan of the stadium showing the circular podium, civic plaza, and surrounding zones. — The plan illustrates a carefully structured layout, from the main podium to the public square and circulation routes, supporting seamless urban integration.

A Design That Connects Place, Identity, and Sport

Barbara Vasilatou, Associate Principal at Populous, noted that the design journey was deeply influenced by the emotional landscape of Toumba. It was also influenced by the rhythms of life in Thessaloniki. She said the project aims to honor the club’s past through a civic building that strengthens the ties between sport, culture, and community.

Declan Sharkey, Global Director at Populous, emphasized that the design transcends architecture alone. It serves as an expression of identity and belonging. He stated that the stadium is intended to offer a unique fan experience. This aligns with the character and energy of the city.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This article introduces a bold architectural vision for PAOK’s new stadium in Thessaloniki, with a sculptural mass evoking the club’s emblem and a spatial composition centered around a circular podium and civic plaza. However, the urban experience appears somewhat one-dimensional in its contextual integration, lacking clear mechanisms that anchor the stadium to its immediate social fabric. While the design delivers strong visual presence, questions remain regarding its long-term everyday relevance. Nevertheless, the project offers symbolic value that reframes the relationship between sport and the city within a contemporary architectural language.

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