Athens' Panathenaic Stadium undergoes first cleaning in over a century

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 12:52 PM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Athens' Panathenaic Stadium undergoes first cleaning in over a century
Summary

The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, a key site in Olympic history, is receiving its first thorough cleaning in over 100 years. The restoration work began recently as preparations are being made ahead of the Dakar Youth Olympics torch-passing ceremony on September 10. The stadium, known as 'Kallimarmaro,' is made entirely of white marble and has been affected by time and heavy visitor traffic. Plans also include upgrades to the track, lighting, and support facilities, with the project funded privately and overseen by the Hellenic Olympic Committee. The cleaning aims to restore the marble's original appearance for upcoming events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

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By the Numbers
  • Cleaning starts ahead of the Dakar Youth Olympics ceremony on September 10.
  • The stadium was rebuilt for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
  • The project is privately funded and overseen by the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
  • Restoration includes removing long-accumulated dirt and modern stains.
  • The venue will feature upgrades including a new track and lighting.
Latest Updates
  • 12:52 PMYahoo SportsAthens is cleaning its all-marble Olympic stadium for the first time in more than a century
What they're saying
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Athens hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. The stadium still stands.

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