The stadio Olimpico is the biggest and most important sport centre in Rome. It is located in the sport complex of Foro Italico, in the north of the city, and hosts a huge number of sport events. It is the stadium where Roma and Lazio football teams play at home, it hosts the final match of Coppa Italia, numerous track and field events and big gigs.

ITS HISTORY

The stadium was erected during fascism in 1928 and named Stadio dei Cipressi. It was then restored and widened and in 1952 it was renamed Stadio dei Centomila, because it could host 100.000 (centomila) people. Before the 1960 Olympic games its capacity was reduced to 65.000 people, since standing area was eliminated.

During 1990 Football World Cup, instead, the Olimpico was turned into a structure that could host 80.000 people: in this stadium, Argentina and West Germany contested the Final.

THE OLIMPICO TODAY

The current stadio Olimpico is the result of the last 2007 interventions aimed at making the stadium be in line with UEFA rules. The stadium had to be ready to host 2009 Champions League Final that was played here. After all these interventions the Olimpico is definitely better than before: it presents brand new infrastructures, giant screens, less seats and benches moved a little back. This new style has brought the Olimpico among top world stadiums.

NUMBERS

The stadio Olimpico can host up to 72.698 seating people in several sectors. The Curva Sud (the southern terrace) can host 8.486 supporters, whereas the Curva Nord (northern terrace) 8.520. The playing field is 105x68 metres.

HOW TO GET TO THE STADIUM

You can get to the stadium by using public transport. Take the underground (linea A), alight at Ottaviano station, then catch bus 32 and get off at piazzale dalla Farnesina. If you have a vehicle, instead, you can get to the stadium by taking exit 6, Flaminia, of the Grande Raccordo Anulare.