Maccabi Tel Aviv has provisionally selected the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center in Polemidia, Limassol, as its new EuroLeague home venue, shifting its base away from Serbia, according to media reports in Cyprus on Tuesday. The relocation remains contingent upon official approval from EuroLeague organizers, which the club is expected to pursue only if a return to playing games inside Israel is ultimately rejected.
Security Clearance and Inspection at Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center
The facility earned its security clearance following a comprehensive joint inspection. The venue was deemed suitable from a safety standpoint, with security serving as the primary focus of the evaluation.
Despite the arena boasting a post-renovation capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators, attendance for Maccabi fixtures will be capped at 5,000 people. Visiting teams will receive only a tightly restricted allocation of tickets, and any admission for opposing supporters remains subject to direct police approval. The club is targeting October 22 for its inaugural game at the Limassol venue, pending final green lights from tournament administrators.
Cypriot Authorities Implement Strict Matchday Security Procedures
Cypriot authorities are implementing an unusual sequence of security procedures for each matchday. Fans will be barred from bringing personal belongings into the stands, and entry will strictly require a valid fan card. Authorities will take complete physical control of the arena 24 hours before tip-off. During this window, the facility will be sealed and guarded, remaining accessible solely to Maccabi Tel Aviv for pre-game training sessions. Inside the venue, organizers will establish separate sections to keep opposing supporter groups physically isolated from one another.
Facility Upgrades Precede High-Risk Turkish Club Matchups
Before any games can tip off, several technical adjustments must be finished. The EuroLeague requested specific modifications to the facility, including the installation of new, standardized basketball hoops. Work is scheduled for completion in the coming days, alongside necessary setup adjustments for media facilities, VIP areas, and courtside seating.
Security measures will tighten even further for matchups against the competition’s three Turkish clubs. According to reports, encounters with Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, and Besiktas will feature an increased police presence and considerably more rigorous checks deployed around the perimeter of the venue.
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