The Olympic Stadium is the pride of Rome. It is part of the legendary Foro Italico complex and serves as the home arena of the Roma and Lazio clubs. It hosts not only matches, but also massive musical events, concerts of world celebrities. According to UEFA qualifications, the stadium is recognized as elite.
In the stands of the Olympic stadium, photo guerino11
The history of the construction of the Olympic stadium
The Roman stadium "Stadio del Tsipressi" - the forerunner of today's Olympic stadium (Stadio Olimpico - Stadio Olimpico) - was built in 1937. The dimensions of the field and stands were smaller than modern - 35 thousand fans watched the match at the same time, and another 55 thousand people watched the game from the “standing” terraces. In 1938, a fascist meeting took place here during Hitler's visit.
After World War II, the sports complex had to be restored. During the reconstruction, the field was expanded and the infrastructure of the stadium was improved. The capacity of the stands increased to 100 thousand seats, thanks to a large number of standing terraces. The sports complex received a new name - "Stadio del Centomilla". The opening of the updated arena in 1953 was marked by a match between the national teams of Italy and Hungary.
Rome Olympic Stadium, photo by Koen Romers
Another large-scale update was required on the eve of the 1960 Olympics. The reconstruction project was developed by Professor Pierre Luigi Nervi. The standing terraces were converted into full-fledged seats, the capacity of the stands after that amounted to 53 thousand seats. The coverings of the football field and athletics tracks were improved, locker rooms and other indoor areas were re-equipped. The sports complex received a new proud name - the Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico).
Opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and the entire track and field program of the Games took place at Stadio Olimpico. Eight years later, the matches of the European Cup were held in the same arena. In 1980, the Olympic Stadium of Rome again became the main arena of the European Football Championship. All this time, major renovations were not carried out.
Before the 1990 World Cup, Stadio Olimpico was completely rebuilt again. Over the previously opened spectator stands, a ring-shaped transparent coating was erected on twelve concrete columns, which protected people from rain and sun. The area of the stands was expanded due to part of the arena - as a result, their capacity increased to 74 thousand seats.
Today's day sports facility
Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico), photo by Harry
The last reconstruction took place in 2007, when Rome was preparing to host the Champions League final. Then the seats were completely replaced, security structures were strengthened, LED screens were installed, locker rooms and a press center were improved. The dimensions of the field after reconstruction were 105 x 68 m; the capacity of the stands became 72 698 seats. According to UEFA qualifications, the Roman Olympic Stadium was recognized as elite. The main feature of the stadium is its low height from the ground. It is successfully integrated into the environment.
The Stadio Olimpico has become the pride of Rome. The stadium, part of the legendary Foro Italico complex (Italian Forum), today serves as the home arena for the Roma and Lazio clubs. It hosts not only matches, but also massive musical events, concerts of world celebrities.
Italian Forum (Foro Italico), photo by Annalisa Giuseppetti
How to get to the stadium
The stadium is located in the north of the capital, near Villa Borghese (a little more than 3 km). You can get to the sports complex Stadio Olimpico by tram number 2, he rides past the stadium from the river. You can sit on it near Art. Metro Flaminio (line A) or close to Piazza del Popolo and the gardens of Villa Borghese. Take the tram to the Piazza Mancini stop. You can also take bus number 280 (at the Lepanto metro station or at the Castle of the Holy Angel) or number 32 (at the Ottaviano metro station) and get off at the De Bosis-Stadio Tennis stop.
