Newsroom
Maccabi Tel Aviv is getting closer to using Limassol as its home base for EuroLeague games, after the Spyros Kyprianou indoor arena in Polemidia received security clearance from Cyprus Police.
The Israeli basketball club is targeting October 22 for its first game at the venue. The date will only be confirmed once EuroLeague officials approve several changes required at the arena.
A recent inspection was attended by representatives of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the stadium management and senior police officials, including Assistant Chiefs of Police Giannakis Georgiou and Michalis Katsounotos. The venue was deemed suitable from a security standpoint.
Several technical requirements still have to be completed. These include the installation of new EuroLeague-standard basketball hoops, as well as arrangements for media facilities, VIP areas and courtside seating.
EuroLeague officials will inspect the completed work before giving their final approval. Once that is granted, Maccabi's first game in Cyprus can be officially confirmed.
Strict security measures planned
The club's games will be subject to particularly strict security measures because of the circumstances surrounding its relocation.
The arena has capacity for around 6,000 spectators, but attendance at Maccabi games will be limited to 5,000. Visiting teams will receive only a small allocation of tickets.
Fans will not be allowed to take personal belongings into the stands. Entry will require a valid fan card, while separate sections will be created inside the arena to keep different groups of supporters apart.
Police will take control of the stadium 24 hours before each Maccabi game. The venue will be sealed and guarded during that period and will be used exclusively by Maccabi for its pre-game training.
Security checks will be particularly strict for matches against the three Turkish clubs competing in the EuroLeague: Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes and Besiktas.
Subject to final EuroLeague approval, Cyprus will become Maccabi Tel Aviv's temporary home for its European campaign following its relocation from Serbia.
