In the eighth episode of the Balance S4 Mini-series on safety and service at sports events, we speak with Nikolaos Kapnoulas, Director of Operations and Hospitality of the O.A.K.A. Indoor Basketball Arena.
Located in Marousi, Athens, Greece, O.A.K.A. is the basketball indoor arena home of the Panathinaikos AKTOR basketball club. Here, safety stands as the number one priority. As explained by Nikos, participants to matches and trainings can see that the approach is continuously evolving. The ultimate goal is to create inclusive and enjoyable experiences for all fans.
Following the 2004 Olympics in Athens, O.A.K.A. began to connect the safety measures with a broader focus on enhancing the spectator journey. Fans from across Europe have been in this venue and experienced how safety and service can be improved at the same time.
This is particularly relevant in the context of Balance S4, the joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Union focusing on strengthening the safety and service pillars of the Saint-Denis Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events.
Whether people come to watch Panathinaikos BC AKTOR basketball games or participate in other sports events, organisers are carefully analysing the spectator journey for different groups and adapt their approach in ways the venue meets fans’ needs. One of the key strategies has been focusing on families. The venue hosts games earlier in the day, making it easier for parents to bring children and enjoy a wide range of entertainment activities designed specifically for younger audiences. Such initiatives also help foster the new generation of sports enthusiasts.
Attracting more women to sporting events in Greece remains a challenge, as football and basketball crowds are still largely male-dominated. Yet, at O.A.K.A., organisers have taken deliberate steps to change this dynamic, including dedicating certain match days specifically to women throughout the season. As Nikos points out, family is often the gateway: many women first come to the arena with their children, and a growing number return later, on their own.
At O.A.K.A., inclusivity is not just an aspiration – it is built into the way the arena operates. Efforts to welcome more women and families are part of a broader mission to ensure that every supporter, regardless of background, feels like they belong. One standout move has been the decision to separate the ultras’ section – and it starts from the main entrance. This seemingly simple change has reshaped fan behaviour, softened the atmosphere, and made the arena a more inviting space for families and first-time visitors alike.
What is happening here goes beyond crowd management. It is about linking safety with the joy of the game, designing matchdays that families can share, and creating moments where women feel not only welcome but encouraged to be part of the event. In doing so, O.A.K.A. is showing that careful planning and inclusive thinking can transform the live sports experience – from something you attend, to something you truly belong to.
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