Aris Saloniki, which goes by the full name of Aris Thessaloniki F.C., was founded in 1914 in the Votsi area of Thessaloniki. The club is named after the ancient Olympian god of war, Ares, who represented on the club’s emblem.
Aris’s home ground is the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium and it carries the colours yellow and black. Moreover, it is one of the most successful football clubs in Greece.
In its 106-year history, Aris Saloniki won the Super League three times in 1927–28, 1931–32, and 1945–46. Additionally, Aris lifted the Greek Cup in 1970 and the Greater Greece Cup in 1971.
After Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, and AEK, Aris has the fourth most title wins together with its arch-rival PAOK.
Today, Aris plays in the Greek Super League and competes for a place in the Europa League. However, the club has not been able to replicate the success it had during the interwar period and the early 1970s in recent history.
SUPER 3 Ultras
Greek ultras groups traditionally carry the name of the terrace gate where they are located. In the case of Aris Saloniki ultras, that is gate 3 and Super 3 is the name of its main ultras group.
Super 3 started in 1988 and has sub-groups all across Greece and Europe. The Super 3 ultras’ supporting style is a mix of Italian and South American. They are loud, fanatic, and present at all games.
Interestingly, in Greece, it is common for supporters to not only support their football club but also the other sports teams that play under the banner of their club. As a result, you will find active support in Greece at basketball, volleyball, and even water polo.
Below, you can see Aris ultras supporting their basketball team at the derby against local rival POAK.
In addition to supporting Aris, Super 3 is also known for being predominately left-wing ultras groups. As a result, the group takes a firm stance against racism and fascism and is politically active inside and outside the stadium.
Furthermore, the group has friendships with fellow ultras from Boca Juniors, Borussia Dortmund, and St. Etienne.
PAOK Saloniki – the local rival – is Super 3 and Ari’s biggest enemy. Historically, the derbies between the two clubs have been marred with violence. Today, away fans are generally not permitted to these games, which has resulted in a decline in violence on derby days.
