PAOK ‘Eagle’s Embrace’-inspired home design

Image: Populous

The Greek professional football club PAOK FC has unveiled concepts and design for the club’s new stadium – an ambitious and transformative project that celebrates the rich heritage of Toumba (district in Eastern Thessaloniki, Greece) while setting a new standard in modern sports infrastructure.

‘POPULOUS’ stated that more than just a home for football the new PAOK Stadium – led by Project Managers SALFO and designed by the global sports and entertainment practice Populous – is envisioned as a cultural and civic landmark. It will integrate world-class architecture, inspired interior design and a dynamic master plan that will strengthen the connection between sport, community and the City.

The PAOK FC, also known as PAOK, is a Greek professional football club based in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece. PAOK are one of the top-flight domestic clubs and boasts a huge fan base in Northern Greece. They play in the Super League Greece, the highest level of the Greek football league system.

The 28,703-capacity Toumba Stadium, also known as the PAOK Stadium, is a multipurpose stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, mainly used for football. It serves as the residence of the PAOK FC and went on stream in 1959.

Populous is a global architectural and design practice with regional headquarters in Kansas City (US), London (UK) and Brisbane (Australia) specializing in the sports facilities, the arenas and convention centers as well as in the planning and design of major special events.

Image: Populous

 

A Stadium at the Heart of the City

‘POPULOUS’ further stated that the new PAOK stadium is the centerpiece of a bold urban master plan that reimagines the club’s historic home as a vibrant, inclusive and connected destination. The design weaves the stadium into Thessaloniki’s urban fabric with a new Green corridor running North to South, pocket parks (a small public green space often found in the urban areas designed for recreation and relaxation) and plazas that foster community interaction.

The relocation of the Kleanthous Street (a street in Athens, Greece) underground liberates the pedestrian movement across the site and unlocks a sweeping public realm anchored by a strategically designed 360-degree ‘podium’ that the stadium sits on and allows variable access points. This podium not only ensures ease of user group separation on the event days but also supports the creation of multilevel plazas and activated public spaces during the non-event days.

At the heart of the precinct lies the PAOK Plaza – a civic square hosting the club museum, the official store, the cafes and the bars, and serving as the symbolic “front door” to the stadium. This area offers opportunities for phased commercial development blending the daily life of Thessaloniki with the rhythms of sport.
 

Stadium Concept – The Eagle’s Embrace

The concept for the new PAOK Stadium is rooted in the powerful symbolism of the club’s emblem and its deep connection to the memory and identity of the City. It aims to create an emotional and physical expression of the club’s legacy offering a bold, unifying presence that resonates with the supporters.

Image: Populous

The stadium is envisioned as a strong yet open gesture – welcoming the fans, connecting to the City and reflecting the duality of hope and sorrow embedded in PAOK’s history. The overall form aspires to capture the movement, energy and meaning shaping an architectural experience that goes beyond function to embody the spirit of the team and its community.
 

An Iconic Bowl that Amplifies Passion

Inside, the stadium bowl is designed to intensify the legendary atmosphere of Toumba with a configuration that balances tradition with innovation. The seating arrangement is engineered to create a continuous “fan wall” bringing the spectators closer to the action with minimal tiers enhancing both intimacy and acoustic resonance.

The West Stand hosts the premium hospitality offerings concentrating activity and operational efficiency in a single, high-value zone. The pitch-facing Boxes are positioned above the lower tier allowing the VIP guests to enjoy proximity to the field while maintaining uninterrupted seating rows below. This approach honors the unity of the PAOK fan base while maximizing the revenue potential through targeted experiences.

Meanwhile, PAOK’s most dedicated fans are positioned in a Kop Stand at the North reimagining the iconic Gate 4 and honoring the powerful presence of the club’s most passionate supporters. This placement aligns with the historical traditions and operational requirements.

Together, these elements reinforce a design that amplifies emotion, strengthens the fan identity and delivers lasting value on both matchdays and throughout the year.

Shared Barbara Vasilatou, Associate Principal, Populous, “Designing the new PAOK Stadium has been a deeply meaningful journey – one rooted in the emotional landscape of Toumba and the vibrant life of Thessaloniki. Our goal was to honor the club’s history while creating a civic landmark that strengthens the bond between the community, culture and sport.”

Informed Declan Sharkey, Global Director, Populous, “Our goal is always more than architecture – this design for PAOK is about identity, pride and place. We set out to create a stadium that captures the passion of PAOK’s supporters, integrates seamlessly into the urban fabric and sets a new benchmark for the fan experience in Greece.”

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