The main stand at Larnaca’s new GSZ Stadium, with a capacity of around 7,000 spectators, has been closed to the public for approximately a year because of serious structural problems.
GSZ president Andreas Zachariou confirmed that the condition of the main stand is considered serious and that it is no longer being used for spectators. Fans attending sporting events at the stadium are instead directed to the stand opposite, which previously accommodated away supporters when football matches were held at the venue.
Restoration plan awaits approval
The GSZ board is in consultations with the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) and is seeking approval for a specific plan to restore the main stand.
The changing rooms and conference room are located beneath the affected section of the stadium.
Zachariou said he expects developments by the end of 2026 and expressed optimism that KOA will approve the proposed work.
“I believe that by the end of this year we will have developments on this issue, and I want to believe they will be positive,” he said.
According to Zachariou, KOA has initially responded positively to the request for the main stand to be replaced.
“We hope that approval for the restoration will be given by the end of 2026 and that restoration work will begin in the new year,” he added.
Stadium opened 43 years ago
The new GSZ Stadium was inaugurated in November 1983, 43 years ago.
Since then, no major improvement works have been carried out on the stadium’s building infrastructure.
The deterioration of the main stand has now resulted in its complete closure to spectators, despite the facility remaining in use for other sporting activities.
Larnaca’s only athletics stadium
Today, the new GSZ is the only athletics stadium in Larnaca and is considered one of Cyprus’ leading venues for track and field events.
After repeated efforts by the GSZ board, the stadium’s badly deteriorated running track underwent a comprehensive renovation.
The previous track had been deemed completely unsuitable and dangerous for athletes to use for training.
Work to replace the synthetic running surface officially began on 4 December 2023, following years of efforts and the signing of the relevant contracts.
New track, but main stand remains closed
Zachariou said the installation of the new running track had transformed the GSZ into one of the country’s best athletics venues.
“Now, with the installation of the new track, we have one of the best athletics stadiums in Cyprus,” he said.
He described it as regrettable that a facility of this standard has had its main stand closed for such a long period because it is considered unsuitable for use.
The GSZ board is now hoping that the necessary approval will be secured before the end of the year so that restoration of the large stand can begin in 2027.
