On October 10th, 2024, basketball entered a new era as Panathinaikos BC AKTOR hosted the first-ever EuroLeague game ever played on ASB GlassFloor. The permanent installation at the OAKA Arena in Athens marks Panathinaikos BC also as the only team to host EuroLeague games on the revolutionary surface, offering fans a unique, immersive experience.
The collaboration between Panathinaikos BC, ASB GlassFloor, and Globalsat made this historic moment possible, with the project completed in just over two months. The court not only enhances the visual spectacle with dynamic in-game animations and real-time data displays, but it also improves player safety with a specially designed glass surface embedded with ceramic points for optimal grip and performance.
Christof Babinsky, Managing Director of ASB GlassFloor, reflected on the achievement: “To see our GlassFloor make its EuroLeague debut just 15 months after it was first used at the U19 FIBA World Cup is a huge milestone. Completing this project in such a short timeframe is a testament to the incredible teamwork and trust between Panathinaikos, Globalsat, and ASB. This is just the beginning of what this technology can bring to basketball.”
While FC Bayern Munich Basketball was the first club to introduce the ASB GlassFloor, using it for training and domestic league games, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is the only team to feature the floor in EuroLeague competition. In their debut match on this innovative surface, Panathinaikos secured a 94-79 victory over FC Bayern Munich Basketball in front of 17,700 fans, cementing their place in basketball history.
This partnership is set to redefine basketball, not just for Panathinaikos BC but for the sport globally. The OAKA Arena now stands as a model for future sports venues, blending tradition with advanced technology to deliver an unparalleled fan and player experience.