“It’s not easy, but we cannot afford not to be ready,” was the response of the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, when asked to comment on the progress of the works at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Center, which needs to be ready by August 2025 for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 event.

The initial goal of starting the construction work by the end of August has been met, as the work has already begun in early September.

The Minister of Transport inspected the work on Friday (August 30), which had started in recent days, following a meeting with Public Works to ensure coordination and organization to promptly resolve any issues that might arise.

The necessary demolitions and the removal of the parquet flooring have already started at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Center. Meanwhile, the presale of ticket packages, which began earlier this month, has already recorded triple-digit numbers.

The upgrade to the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Center will be significant, as the stadium needs to meet all the strict FIBA requirements for this major event.

The stadium's seating capacity will rise to at least 7,700 from its current 5,517. There is the possibility of adding mobile seating, which will be implemented, bringing the capacity to over 8,000 seats.

• - Replace the existing parquet floor with a new one that meets FIBA specifications.

• - Supply three (3) and install two (2) appropriate basketball mechanisms.

• - Install two (2) electronic scoreboards and shot clocks.

• - Provide and install two large electronic screens.

• - Prepare the infrastructure so that the Employer can supply and install LED perimeter signage around the court.

• - Remodel the underground parking area for teams and VIPs (no staff parking spaces are required).

• - Implement adjustments to enable the park and ride system as part of sustainable mobility.

• - Create new public restrooms to meet the legal requirements for the number of seating positions.

• - Replace synthetic flooring in the circulation corridors with equivalent high-quality materials.

• - Supply the required furniture and implement the layout of the seats on the court according to the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 manual.