Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Limassol Arena as New EuroLeague Home
Maccabi Tel Aviv has reportedly chosen the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol, Cyprus, as its potential new EuroLeague home court, pending official league approval and strict security measures.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has reportedly found a new home court for its EuroLeague matches. The Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Polemidia, Limassol, has been officially approved as the yellow-and-blue's home venue in the tournament, replacing Serbia, which has served as the team's base for home games until now, according to reports in Cyprus on Tuesday. It should be noted that Maccabi Tel Aviv still needs EuroLeague approval for the move, which it is expected to pursue only if the EuroLeague postpones its return to Israel.
The approval was granted following a joint inspection by representatives of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the arena management, and senior local police officials. During the inspection, it was determined that the facility can meet the demands of the Israeli team, with security being the primary issue.
Following renovations last year, the arena holds about 6,000 seats, but for Maccabi's games, entry will be limited to a maximum of 5,000 spectators. The number of away fans will also be strictly limited, and any entry of visiting supporters will be subject to police approval.
Cyprus is planning a series of extraordinary procedures surrounding the matches. Fans will not be permitted to bring personal items into the arena, and the facility will be handed over to police responsibility 24 hours before each match. From that moment, the arena will be closed and under guard, with access permitted to Maccabi Tel Aviv for training purposes only.
The stands will also be segregated, and anyone entering the arena will be required to hold a fan card. Additionally, the EuroLeague has requested several adjustments to the facility, including the baskets, and work is expected to be completed in the coming days to allow the matches to take place.
Security emphasis will be particularly strong during matches against the three Turkish teams in the EuroLeague: Fenerbahce, Besiktas, and Anadolu Efes. According to reports in Cyprus, even stricter security arrangements are expected for these encounters, with an increased police presence and more rigorous checks around the arena.
