AKFC
The history of Grigoris Lamprakis Kallithea Municipal Stadium dates back to the 1970s. Commonly referred to by its nickname, “El Paso”, a reference to Sergio Leone’s 1965 Spaghetti Western film For a Few Dollars More, the stadium was built on the site of a former quarry, its dramatic rock backdrop evoking the cinematic landscapes from which it borrowed its name.
For more than five decades, “El Paso” has served not only as the home ground of Athens Kallithea F.C., but also as a training ground for the wider community, with open access to the public and a wide range of sports clubs and activities. From athletics and gymnastics to running and weightlifting, generations of local residents have passed through the stadium, establishing it as a cornerstone of the neighbourhood’s history and embedding it deeply within the collective memory of Kallithea and Athens more broadly.
Athens Kallithea F.C. has established itself as a uniquely values-led organization, using sport as a platform for inclusivity, civic pride, and social cohesion while cultivating a growing and diverse audience. At the same time, the club’s ambitions on the pitch call for a stadium evolution that responds not only to present-day requirements, but also to its long-term sporting and civic aspirations – an ethos that directly informs the next chapter of “El Paso.”
We were invited to undertake a design study on the regeneration of the entire masterplan, unlocking opportunities for the years to come. From early on it was clear that the strong history and raw beauty of the existing building should not only be preserved, but highlighted into the new era. The transformation seeks to re-envision the stadium as a contemporary venue for sports and culture, enhancing its role as a place of gathering and wellbeing.
The proposal significantly increases capacity from the current 6,300 to a maximum of 9,000 seats, addressing contemporary requirements for accessibility, security, and comfort. Crucially, the currently fenced perimeter is opened to the public, offering 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 retail and food areas. The comprehensive list of interventions also includes an upgraded wellness zone, an exhibition area, and a multi-purpose event space, positioning “El Paso” as a vibrant cultural hub for the Athenian community. Extensive vegetation and new tree coverage form a key part of the strategy, improving the site’s microclimate, mitigating urban heat, and reinforcing the stadium’s role as a green civic asset embedded within the neighbourhood.
Finally, the infrastructure of the stadium upgrades to meet international standards, leaving the building relatively untouched and retaining the original identity of the beloved stadium.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN K-STUDIO K-STUDIO DESIGN TEAM DIMITRIS KARAMPATAKIS | GIORGOS KARAMPELAS | THIBAUD STELMASZYK | FILIPPO ANTONUCCI | CHRYSANTHI ROUSSOU STADIUM CONSULTANT ARUP 3D VISUALIZATION FILIPPO BOLOGNESE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AKFC
