Stelios Kyriakides Stadium

**The Stelios Kyriakides Stadium in Paphos is a facility defined by its dual purpose, a legacy that stretches back to 1985 when it first opened its gates as the Pafiako Stadium. It is not simply a football ground; it is a municipal sports centre that has always housed a 400-metre synthetic running track around the natural grass pitch. This architectural choice means the stadium is often used for athletics events, a function that was significantly upgraded during a major renovation in 2003.**

**What makes the venue distinct today is the weight of its history and its shifting identity. The facility was renamed in 2017 to honour Stelios Kyriakides, a local marathon runner who famously won the Boston Marathon in 1946. The name change was intended to cement the stadium’s place in Cypriot sporting heritage, though the grounds have also served as a home for several local football clubs over the decades, including Pafos FC. While the club often hosts European matches elsewhere to meet UEFA standards, the stadium remains a central hub for domestic football in the region.**

**On the pitch, the atmosphere at the stadium is something else entirely. It was a night that saw Pafos FC secure the league title in front of 9,000 spectators, a record attendance that highlights the community’s passion. The stadium’s capacity sits at 9,394, though plans for a future redevelopment to meet modern standards are already underway.**