Toumba Stadium
Thessaloniki, Greece
Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium
Thessaloniki Greece
The Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, also widely known as the Charilaou Stadium, is a historic football arena located in the Charilaou district of Thessaloniki, Greece. It has served as the home ground for Aris FC since its opening in 1951. With a current capacity of approximately 22,800, it is a « pure » football stadium, featuring no athletics track, which allows for an intense and intimate proximity between the fans and the pitch. In 2026, it remains one of the most vibrant venues in the Greek Super League, continuing to host major domestic playoffs and international fixtures.
Capacity
22.800
History of the stadium
Inaugurated on November 6, 1951, the stadium was originally named Aris Stadium before being renamed in 2004 to honor Kleanthis Vikelidis, a legendary Aris player from the 1930s. The facility has evolved through several stages of expansion, notably adding a roof to the West Stand in 1972 and completing the North Stand in 1975. It served as a vital training venue during the 2004 Summer Olympics. Most recently, the stadium underwent modernizations in 2019, including the installation of a hybrid grass surface to ensure the highest standards for professional play.
Architecture and design
The stadium is characterized by its compact, rectangular layout and steep stands that create an intimidating wall of support. It features yellow and black seating—the traditional colors of Aris FC. Architecture highlights include a tier of VIP boxes in the West Stand and various integrated facilities beneath the grandstands, such as a sports hall, a gym, and even a swimming pool used by the Aris swimming department. The removal of security grids in favor of plexiglass in recent years has further improved visibility while maintaining safety standards.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
Often referred to by Aris fans as « La Bombonera »—inspired by the iconic home of Boca Juniors—the atmosphere at Kleanthis Vikelidis is legendary for its intensity. The « Super 3 » supporter group leads the chanting from the North Stand, turning the stadium into a cauldron of yellow and black. The matchday experience is deeply rooted in the local Charilaou neighborhood, where the streets come alive with fans hours before kickoff, creating a festive yet fierce environment that is considered one of the most difficult for visiting teams in Greece.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located at Alkminis 69 in the Charilaou district, southeast of Thessaloniki’s city center. It is well-integrated into the city’s transport network, with numerous bus lines serving the area. In 2026, accessibility has been further enhanced by the proximity to the Nea Elvetia metro station. For visitors staying in the city center, the stadium is roughly a 10-to-15 minute taxi ride or a 45-minute walk from the White Tower, making it a central landmark in the city’s sporting life.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium honors Kleanthis Vikelidis, a foundational figure in Aris history who played as a striker during the interwar period. Known for his scoring prowess and loyalty to the club, his name was chosen to replace the generic « Aris Stadium » as part of a modernization drive to celebrate the club’s heritage. The colloquial name, « Charilaou, » simply refers to the neighborhood where the stadium was built, a name that remains the most common way for locals to refer to the ground in everyday conversation.
How to get to Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium
The most convenient way to reach the stadium is via the Thessaloniki Metro to the Nea Elvetia station, followed by a short walk or a quick bus transfer. Alternatively, OASTH bus lines 10, 11, and 58 provide frequent service from the city center directly to the « Gipedo Aris » stop. If driving, be aware that the narrow streets of the Charilaou district become extremely congested on matchdays, and parking is very limited in the immediate vicinity.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best view and most comfortable experience, the West Stand (Main Stand) offers covered seating, VIP boxes, and the best tactical perspective of the field. For those who want to be at the heart of the « Bombonera » atmosphere, the North Stand (Gates 1, 2, and 3) is where the most vocal supporters gather. The East Stand also offers excellent views and is popular among families. Due to the lack of a running track, even the lower rows provide a remarkably close view of the players.
Where to eat and drink near Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium
The Charilaou district is packed with local « psistaries » (grill houses) and cafes. The streets surrounding the stadium, particularly Alkminis and Papanastasiou, are filled with fans grabbing « souvlaki » or « pitas » before the match. Many fans also gather at the « Aris Sports Cafe » located within the stadium complex itself, which offers a direct view of the pitch and serves as a hub for supporters throughout the week.
Good to know
Entry to all Super League matches at Kleanthis Vikelidis requires digital ticket verification through the Gov.gr Wallet app. The stadium is a cashless venue for concessions, so ensure you have a card or mobile payment ready. While the atmosphere is intense, the stadium is generally safe for international visitors; however, it is advised to avoid wearing colors of rival Thessaloniki teams (like PAOK) in the Charilaou district on matchdays. Always check the official Aris FC website for the latest fixture updates, as playoff schedules can be subject to late changes.
