Athens Kallithea FC present new vision for historic “El Paso”

Athens Kallithea FC present a concept and renderings for a reimagining of GrigorisLamprakisStadium, commonly known as “El Paso,” in partnership with Athens-based architecture firm K-Studio and London-based design and engineering consultancy Arup.

As a natural extension of Athens Kallithea FC's heritage and mission,this newvision is to transform the historic “El Paso” into an active hub for the community.

The project calls for the stadium to be the home of sport and culture, leisure and entertainment, and health and wellness in the heart of the neighborhood, featuring an expanded green park, upgraded facilities, and increased capacity.

Through its history, “El Paso” has not only been the home of the football team, but has also served as a training ground for the wider community, with open access to the general public andserving amateur sport clubs including track and field, gymnastics, and weightlifting. The stadium has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s history, deeply embedded in the collective memory of Kallithea and Athens more broadly.


ForAthens Kallithea FC,the clubaspires to establish itself among Greece’s top clubs, calling for a stadium evolution that responds not only to present requirements but also the ambitions for a greater futureon the pitch. Off the pitch, the club has positioned itself as a uniquely values-based organization, cultivating a growing audience founded in inclusivity and harmony, while aiming to leverage sport as a vehicle for civic pride, social cohesion, and community development, and the next era of the stadium must serve this cause.

Likewise, furthering the Athens Kallithea FC’s idea that sport is a facet of culture, the stadium should be a home for a broad spectrum of culture as a social activator — through events, exhibitions, music, community programming, and more.

The stadium proposal would significantly increase capacity from the current 6,300 to a maximum of 9,000 seats, addressing contemporary requirements for accessibility, security, and comfort. The currently fenced stadium perimeter would be opened to the public, gifting a new lush green park back to the city. A striking new facade addition — a nod to Athenian scaffolding structures — hosts new social areas for pre- and post-game activities, including dedicated food, drink, and retail areas. The comprehensive list of interventions also includes an upgraded wellness zone, an exhibition area, and a multi-purpose event space.

A key pillar of the strategy is the environmental enhancement. The introduction of extensive vegetation and tree coverage improves the microclimate, mitigates urban heat, and re-establishes the stadium as a green asset that gives back to the community. This ecological layer is not decorative but integral to long-term urban resilience.

Crucially, despite the transformation, the original nature, identity, and spirit of the beloved stadium would be maintained.

Athens Kallithea FC intend to utilize this proposal as a launching point for discussions with all stakeholders, including the local government, community, and club supporters.

Grigoris Lamprakis Stadium is a public stadium that is owned and operated by the Municipality of Kallithea. Built in 1970, the stadium’s “El Paso” nickname is a reference to Sergio Leone’s 1965 Spaghetti Western film For a Few Dollars More (which had the Greek title “Duel in El Paso”) starring Clint Eastwood, as the stadium was built on the site of a quarry and features a tall rock along the north side of the pitch, which people thought to be reminiscent of scenes from the film.

K-Studio is a globally recognized, award-winning design practice, with notable works including Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, Manna, the “Liknon” brand home for METAXA, and, most recently, the extension and refurbishment of Athens International Airport.

ARUP is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary consultancy with extensive experience in the design and delivery of sports and entertainment venues worldwide. The firm has contributed to stadiums, arenas, training facilities, and large-scale public gathering environments, combining engineering, sustainability, mobility, and technical design expertise within complex projects. Through an integrated and research-driven approach, ARUP delivers high-performance sports facilities that prioritize functionality, operational efficiency, spectator experience, accessibility, resilience, and environmental responsibility, while creating venues that contribute lasting civic, cultural, and social value.