Aris Inaugurates Renovated 'Palais' with EuroCup Debut Against Burgos

Thessaloniki, October 12, 2026 – Aris BC will officially unveil the renovated Nick Galis Hall when it hosts San Pablo Burgos in a EuroCup fixture. More than an ordinary game, the night is being framed as a milestone marking the Greek club's ambition to return to the EuroLeague. After beating Le Mans on the road in its EuroCup opener, Aris BC enters its home debut at 1-0. However, head coach Vassilis Spanoulis and his players have just suffered a defeat in the Greek Basket League opener away at Karditsa, making a second straight EuroCup win more urgent than ever. Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Vassilis Spanoulis called the Karditsa loss "a lesson" and stressed: "Whoever cannot handle the pressure will not continue." He also said the presence of club legend Nikos Galis and owner Richard Siao provides major emotional motivation for the squad. As for the opponent, San Pablo Burgos arrives in Thessaloniki in strong form: a EuroCup win over Cedevita Olimpija and an away victory in the Liga ACB. Players Oditz and DJ Stewart each scored 20 points in that most recent ACB win, pointing to a balanced offense that does not depend on a single star. Aris BC player Robinson-Earl said: "We want to bring this legendary team back where it belongs." The remark reflects the hosts' aspirations at a time when the club has submitted a EuroLeague franchise proposal, competing directly with PAOK. The highlight of the night is the renovated Nick Galis Hall, whose capacity has been raised to 6,200 seats with a newly built stand to meet huge ticket demand. Analysts read the move as both an upgrade to the fan experience and preparation for the infrastructure standards the EuroLeague requires of licensed clubs. A win over San Pablo Burgos would lift Aris BC to 2-0 in the EuroCup and strengthen its ambition dossier. A home defeat on inauguration night, by contrast, would deal a heavy blow to the image and expectations now running very high in Thessaloniki. The game is also the first real test of Aris BC's new operating model, with owner Richard Siao publicly present and investing heavily in both infrastructure and roster.