Olympiacos Basketball Club are spending 45 million euros on major renovations at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus while initiating formal disciplinary proceedings against guard Thomas Walkup.
Speaking on the protothema.gr broadcast The Football Show, reporter Michalis Stefanou detailed the ongoing structural work at the Greek team's home arena alongside the latest developments in the contract dispute involving Walkup.
The stadium redevelopment project has experienced delays, but Stefanou reported that the final outcome will significantly transform the appearance of the venue. Olympiacos are actively advancing construction work across multiple areas of the facility.
According to Stefanou, the club has already spent 15 million euros on the arena and is scheduled to spend a further 30 million euros during the current year. He noted that the total financial commitment highlights the extensive work required to turn the site into a modern sports facility.
Peace and Friendship Stadium Renovations
The primary objective for Olympiacos is to return to the Peace and Friendship Stadium during the upcoming season, although construction will not be fully completed by the time the team moves in.
Stefanou explained that the club is expected to enter the venue shortly after the season begins rather than at the very start. He emphasized that early occupancy does not mean the stadium will be completely finished, as substantial work remains to be completed on both the locker rooms and the exterior structure.
The main priority for the club is ensuring the arena is functional enough to host official basketball games while remaining construction tasks continue in phases.
In addition to the main arena hall, Stefanou reported that work on the team's new training facility is now in its final stages. The specialized training center is almost ready and has been constructed to NBA standards.
Thomas Walkup Disciplinary Proceedings
Turning to the situation surrounding Thomas Walkup, Stefanou stated that there are currently no fresh developments in the ongoing saga, with Olympiacos choosing to follow standard regulatory procedures.
The club has formally summoned the player to present a defense as part of an official internal hearing. Stefanou noted that all subsequent actions taken by Olympiacos management will be conducted strictly by the book in accordance with established rules.
Addressing reports regarding a potential move to Dubai Basketball Club, Stefanou clarified that Walkup's letter of clearance has not been requested by any party. Without the official clearance document, Dubai cannot register the player despite claims to the contrary.
Stefanou concluded that the dispute remains far from resolved, predicting that the situation will see further developments given the turn events have taken.
Arena History and Disciplinary Context
The Peace and Friendship Stadium, commonly known as SEF, is a major multi-purpose indoor arena located in Faliro, Piraeus. Opened in 1985, the venue has long served as the home court for Olympiacos Basketball Club in EuroLeague and domestic competition.
Olympiacos are one of Greece's most decorated basketball institutions, competing at the highest level of European basketball. Thomas Walkup joined the Piraeus club in 2021 and became a central figure in their backcourt after securing Greek citizenship.
Dubai Basketball Club is a professional team based in the United Arab Emirates that competes in regional European competition frameworks, sparking international player movement discussions.
