AEK Athens v Aberdeen Thursday 23rd October, 7.45pm KO (EET, local time) OPAP Arena, Athens
Important information for fans ahead of our match with AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday 23rd October.
Kick off is at 7:45pm and the turnstiles open at 4:45pm.
Supporters should take time to familiarise themselves with the following details including travel information, entering and leaving the stadium, items permitted in the stadium and in-stadium rules and regulations shared with us by AEK Athens and the local authorities.
Follow @AberdeenFCSLO on X for supporter info and matchday updates.
IMPORTANT SECURITY UPDATE
Following a UEFA Security Meeting in Athens, with both clubs, local Police, Scottish Police and members of the British Consulate, we wish to underline and update some of the previous information shared with supporters.
The provision of the 15 articulated buses (with windows) and the two Cat 1 buses are strongly recommended by AEK Athens and the local Police who are experienced at this venue.
All supporters are encouraged by the Clubs and Security Authorities to plan to be at the meeting point at the Panathenaic Stadium to take the buses to the OPAP Arena. This is a safe route through the busy capital city of Athens, taking supporters directly to the entry points. You may congregate at the meeting point with from 3pm with buses leaving from 4:30pm. There will be toilets available at the meeting point.
The local police have advised against taking the train and metro from Monastiraki Square and walking in the surrounding areas of the stadium. Taxis are not recommended as traffic in Athens is very busy and slow moving.
Supporters will be searched prior to getting onto the buses at the meeting point. If this goes well, there will be no second search at the turnstiles. However, dependant on the success at the meeting point, a second search is possible at the stadium.
There will be a hold back of about 40-45 mins after the final whistle. The buses will safely return supporters to Panathenaic Stadium. For safety reasons in the area around the stadium, you should not leave before the end of the match, and may be prevented from doing so.
We appreciate that leaving for the stadium earlier than usual is not ideal for our supporters, but we implore you all to try and work with the traffic management plan to ensure you all get to and from the stadium safely
FAN AREAS
There are 3 areas all within walking distance of the bus meeting point, with plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
Proskopon – 7 minute walk
Pangrati – 11 minute walk
Monastiraki Square – 25 minute walk
Please respect the cultural and historic aspects of Athens.
GETTING TO OPAP ARENA
Given the fact that Athens is the “home” of some of the biggest football clubs in the country and a tourist destination, individual arrival at the stadium is not approved by the local authorities. The approved plan for the ingress and egress process of the away fans is:
Supporters Buses
Important Note: This is for supporters with tickets in the Away Section only. Those with Cat 1 tickets will be sent separate details regarding their transport. Cat 1 tickets are in a different part of the stadium with separate arrangements for entry.
Aberdeen FC, as advised by local police and authorities, have provided buses which will take supporters to and from the stadium.
Meeting point is Panathenaic Stadium (also known as the Marble Stadium).
In front of the Panathenaic Stadium is a large area where fans will congregate.
This area will be available from 3pm onwards for gathering and carry outs are permitted.
The buses will leave around 4:30pm/4:45pm. It’s earlier than we are all used to but necessary in such a large city. We would be grateful for some cooperation and tolerance around the timings. It will mean you shouldn’t miss any of the match.
Do not take containers/drinks onto the buses. This is forbidden.
Police will carry out body searches, photographic ID and ticket checks before going on buses. (Any document that has a photo is fine)
Buses will take fans to an underground area of the stadium. Access is only by bus to this area.
AT THE STADIUM
The buses will arrive underground, and fans will enter an area with toilets, locker rooms and turnstiles. If body searches are carried out at the bus meeting point, then it will not be required here.
Strictly no pyrotechnics.
Do not throw liquids or any objects from the seating decks.
Please do not block any passageways or stairwells. UEFA can fine and impose sanctions on Aberdeen FC if they are not kept clear.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the stadium.
Any inappropriate behaviour at the stadium can result in heavy fines and/or sanctions from UEFA. Aberdeen FC will also take action against any persons who fail to act appropriately.
Once through turnstiles, fans will have to climb a few flights of stairs to reach the Away Section.
There will be kiosks selling drinks and food. No hot food will be available but there will be cold sandwiches, crisps, popcorn and snacks. No-alcohol beer will be available.
VIEW FROM THE AWAY SECTION
AFTER THE GAME
The away support will be held back after the game finishes. When the timescale for this is confirmed, we will relay this information to supporters.
This is to ensure that the buses arranged by the club can load and safely head back to the city.
GENERAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION
It is very important that supporters use the buses provided as this is the only guaranteed way to get to and from the match. It is the safest way to travel there and back.
Please note that any damage caused to the buses will have to be paid for by Aberdeen FC. Please respect them, the club and supporters have paid for them for your own safety and benefit.
It’s not recommended to travel independently to the stadium or frequent the licensed premises in that area. Walking alone and in small groups with team colours near the stadium is not advisable.
Local Police will be present throughout.
Police Scotland representatives will also shadow the local police to assist with safe passage of Aberdeen FC supporters to the stadium.
Aberdeen FC will bring 8 stewards (wearing pink bibs).
Police Scotland and our stewards are there to help you. They will support you and challenge any unacceptable behaviour to prevent any arrests.
Above all, give your full and loyal support to the team.
