Athens Olympic Tennis Centre

Athens Olympic Tennis Centre: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Athens Olympic Tennis Centre, located within the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) in Marousi, is a landmark that seamlessly integrates Greece’s ancient heritage with contemporary sporting excellence and architectural innovation. Originally constructed for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, the Centre remains a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and travelers eager to explore Athens’ dynamic blend of history and modernity.

This guide provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, cultural relevance, and practical travel tips, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this iconic venue (Athens Today, OAKA official, WikiArquitectura).

Overview of the Athens Olympic Tennis Centre
Visiting Information
Historical & Architectural Significance
- Olympic Legacy
- Architectural Features
Events & Current Usage
Nearby Attractions & Visitor Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary Table: Key Visitor Information
References

1. Overview of the Athens Olympic Tennis Centre

Situated just 10 km north of Athens’ historic center, the Athens Olympic Tennis Centre is part of the expansive OAKA complex in Marousi. It encompasses 16 DecoTurf II cushioned acrylic courts—the same surface as the US Open—spread across a thoughtfully landscaped area of approximately 67,500 m². The Centre’s design draws inspiration from classical Greek motifs, integrating radial marble walkways, sun motifs, and open-air canopies amid Mediterranean flora, providing both visual appeal and comfort for players and spectators alike (OAKA official, WikiArquitectura).

2. Visiting Information

Hours & Ticketing

Visiting Hours: The Centre is generally open 07:30–23:00 on weekdays and 08:00–22:00 on weekends. Hours may change during special events or renovations, so always check the official OAKA website before visiting (Athens24).
Ticketing: Public access to the grounds is typically free. Tickets are required for tournaments and special events and can be purchased online or on-site. Court bookings for recreational use should be reserved through OAKA administration.

Accessibility

Step-free access throughout courts and spectator areas
Reserved accessible seating and restrooms
Elevators and ramps connecting different levels
Bilingual (Greek/English) signage
Staff assistance available for visitors with special needs (Athens24)

Travel Tips

Metro: Line 1 (Green Line) to “Neratziotissa” or “Irini” stations—each a short walk to the Centre
Bus: Multiple lines serve Marousi and OAKA
Car: On-site parking is available, but can be limited during events
Taxi: 20–30 min from central Athens; convenient and widely available
Airport Access: Suburban railway (Proastiakos) or Metro Line 3 to Monastiraki, then transfer to Line 1

3. Historical & Architectural Significance

Olympic Legacy

Developed for the 2004 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the Centre hosted world-class tennis competitions and has since remained a hub for national and international events. Its construction and the broader OAKA renovations marked a turning point in Athens’ urban development, modernizing infrastructure and promoting sports participation (Greeka, Leeds Beckett).

Architectural Features

Main Court: 8,600 seats (Olympics: 6,000 public), with recent upgrades maintaining world-class standards (Wikipedia, Stadiaworld)
Semifinal Courts: Two, each seating 4,300
Side Courts: Thirteen, seating 200 each
Design Aesthetics: Steel, glass, white marble walkways, and canopies provide shade and ventilation. Mediterranean landscaping features olive, pine, oak, and cypress trees (Athens Today, WikiArquitectura, ArcVision)
Integration: Part of OAKA’s master plan, the Tennis Centre is positioned along a major pedestrian axis, creating accessible and visually harmonious connections to other venues (Potiropoulos+Partners)

4. Events & Current Usage

Tennis Tournaments: Hosts national and international events, recreational play, and club competitions (Athens24)
Community Activities: Open for public bookings, youth programs, and lessons
Cultural Events: Occasionally used for concerts and festivals (e.g., Waterboom Festival, concerts) (Greeka, Concerts50, Songkick)
Renovations: Ongoing upgrades (EU Recovery Fund) to enhance sustainability, safety, and accessibility. Some areas may have limited access—refer to the OAKA news section for updates.

5. Nearby Attractions & Visitor Amenities

Other OAKA Venues: Olympic Stadium, Velodrome, Aquatic Centre
Shopping: The Mall Athens, Golden Hall
Local Eateries: Cafés and restaurants in Marousi
Historical Sights: The Acropolis, Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum (easy access via metro)
Facilities: Accessible restrooms, shaded seating, first aid stations, security, and bilingual signage
Food & Drink: Kiosks and concessions available during events; more choices nearby

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically 07:30–23:00 (weekdays), 08:00–22:00 (weekends), but check the official site for event-specific updates.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: For events, purchase online via OAKA or authorized vendors. Court reservations for recreational play can be made through OAKA administration.

Feature	Details
Location	OAKA, Av. Olympionikou Spirou Loui 1, Marousi, Athens
Nearest Metro	Neratziotissa (Line 1), Irini (Line 1)
Hours	07:30–23:00 (Mon–Fri), 08:00–22:00 (Sat–Sun); check for updates
Accessibility	Full step-free access, ramps, elevators, accessible seating/restrooms
Seating Capacity	Main: 8,600; Semifinals: 4,300 (each); Side: 200 (each)
Parking	Available, limited during major events
Food & Beverage	Event-day kiosks, nearby restaurants
Ticketing	Online and on-site; advance booking recommended
Languages	Greek, English
Security	Security staff, CCTV, medical stations
Renovation Status	Ongoing (EU Recovery Fund); check official site for current details