Stadium was named after the 600-foot race course which determined its form.
The earliest stadium of the acropolis of Rhodes is placed in the 4th century BC and had an E-W orientation, transverse to the preserved one. After the earthquake of 227/226 BC it was built in its present-day location, 200.76 m (600 Rhodian feet) long and 33.46 m wide. During the Roman period, an impressive propylon was built at its entrance and may have served for chariot races.
Uniquely preserved is the aphesis (starting point, with the bases for the hysplex (starting mechanism) for 14 runners.
The famous Halieia were held here, a festival dedicated to the worship of the Helios, patron god of Rhodes. Similarly to the great Panhellenic games, they were held every four years with a procession and sacrifice and with the participation of a large number of contestants and spectators from other cities. They included musical and athletic competitions, as well as equestrian competitions for children and adults.
In its original form, the Stadium would accommodate 28,000-30,000 spectators.