Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium ( el, Γήπεδο Θεόδωρος Βαρδινογιάννης) is a stadium in
Heraklion,
Crete, Greece. It was built in 1951 (not at its present state) as the home stadium of
OFI Crete. The stadium is commonly known by its nickname, ''Yedi Kule'' ("''Seven Towers''" in
Turkish
Turkish may refer to:
*a Turkic language spoken by the Turks
* of or about Turkey
** Turkish language
*** Turkish alphabet
** Turkish people, a Turkic ethnic group and nation
*** Turkish citizen, a citizen of Turkey
*** Turkish communities and mi ...
).
History
The historic ground of
OFI was constructed in 1951 and after the death of the historic leader of the
club it was named "Theodoros Vardinoyannis". The opening of the stadium took place on November 11, 1951, with the football game of
OFI Crete with the team of Α.Σ.Δ.Α.Ν. (English: A.S.D.A.N.) (something like the current national team) and the result was a defeat for
OFI, 4–1, a result that had a little meaning compared with the benefits that the Cretan club had won. At last, the largest Cretan club acquired its own "home", that would roof all the faithful of the new football ideals developed in
Iraklion
Heraklion or Iraklion ( ; el, Ηράκλειο, , ) is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in Greece with a population of 211,370 (Urban A ...
,
Crete.
The stadium was built on the ruins of an Armenian cemetery and that in the area where the pitch is located, there were two big holes, remaining structures of German army guns from the
World War II occupation.
In 2018, the stadium had a match stats display added at the east side of the stadium.
Records
The stadium has a capacity of 8,500 fans, however many times the presence of the fans surpassed the number above. From 1980 to 2005 the stadium has held 380 matches. From 1979, the year when
football in Greece
Football is the most popular sport in Greece, followed by basketball.
History of Greek football
The Ancient Greeks are known to have played many ball games, some of which involved the use of the feet. The Roman game ''harpastum'' is believed t ...
became professional, the stadium has held 340 league games.
The highest attendance recorded at Yedi Kule is 12,391 for OFI's match against
Olympiakos on September 25, 1988. For the record, OFI won the game 2–1.
Transportation
* Herakleion City Bus stops Sofokli Venizelou Kantanou and Kaminia (6,7,8,10,11,12,14,15,17,19,21,23,31)
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Football venues in Greece
Buildings and structures in Heraklion
Sports venues in Crete