AEK started being successful early on and thus built its own fan base. Over time, it acquired valuable players, such as the renowned Kostas Negrepontis who came from Istanbul and relocated to Athens in 1926 following a successful career in French clubs.
At that time, thanks to the actions of Ioannis Chrissafidis, an advisor to the Central Committee for Refugee Accommodation, a tree-covered plot in Podoniftis area, or Nea Filadelphia as it is currently called, was given as a training ground for the refugees. It was a tree-covered and rough land which was turned overnight, thanks to the work of refugees, into a pitch.
However, it wasn't until November 2, 1930, that AEK settled there, when the venue was officially inaugurated on the occasion of an exhibition match between AEK and Olympiacos, which ended 2-2. In 1934, the first president of AEK, Konstantinos Spanoudis, intervened personally towards Eleftherios Venizelos in order for the pitch to be granted to AEK by the Ministry of Welfare. At that time, the pitch was fenced and standard facilities, such as locker rooms, were added.