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The Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico) is a renowned sports stadium in Rome, Italy. It is a historic venue that has hosted numerous international football matches and events, including the 1990 FIFA World Cup. With a seating capacity of over 70,000 spectators, it stands as one of the largest sports arenas in Italy and is home to both A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, two of the country’s top football clubs.
History of the Olympic Stadium in Rome
The Olympic Stadium has a rich and storied history. Initially built in 1937 and known as the Stadio dei Cipressi, it was primarily used for athletics events.
The stadium underwent a significant renovation in preparation for the 1960 Summer Olympics, after which it was officially named the Stadio Olimpico. This transformation included expanding its capacity and enhancing its facilities, making it suitable for various sports, including football.
One of the most iconic moments in the Stadio Olimpico’s history occurred in 1968 when it hosted the UEFA European Football Championship final, the European Nations Cup. Italy triumphed over Yugoslavia in a match that took extra time, solidifying the stadium’s status as a prominent football venue. It has since hosted several UEFA Champions League finals, including the 1996 and 2009 editions.
The Stadio Olimpico was also a significant venue for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, hosting several matches, including the final in which West Germany defeated Argentina. Its capacity was expanded to accommodate over 70,000 spectators for this prestigious event. The stadium has been home to two of Rome’s top football clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, serving as the backdrop for intense city derbies and thrilling matches between these rival teams.
Beyond football, the Stadio Olimpico has been utilized for various sporting events, including rugby, athletics, and concerts featuring some of the world’s most famous artists. With its rich history and ongoing role in hosting major events, the Stadio Olimpico continues to symbolize Italian sporting excellence and entertainment.
How to Visit – Rome Football Stadium Tour
You can visit the Olympic Stadium tour by purchasing tickets here. Embark on a journey through a rich history, starting with the stadium’s inauguration in 1953 and spanning to the 1960 Olympic Games, from hosting the European Championships to the unforgettable 1990 World Cup. Celebrate the monumental victories of AS Roma and SS Lazio, and experience contemporary spectacles, including sold-out concerts!
The exhibition provides an exclusive glimpse into the stadium’s hidden corners, unveiling its most private spaces, from the locker rooms to the playing field. Explore a collection of cherished memorabilia, including jerseys worn by star players and holographic trophies, and relive the most significant moments, featuring impressive choreography, captivating chants, and anthems in an immersive and interactive setting.
Stadium Layout – Which Seat to Choose When Buying a Ticket to a Football Match?
The Stadio Olimpico in Rome offers a variety of seating options, and choosing the right seat depends on your preferences for the football match experience. If you enjoy the fervent atmosphere created by passionate fans and want to be part of the ultras’ chants and cheers, consider seats in the Curva Nord (North Curve) or Curva Sud (South Curve). These sections are known for their lively and spirited ambiance.
Important to know:
- Curva Nord stand traditionally reserved for S.S. Lazio home supporters.
- Curva Sud stand traditionally reserved for A.S. Roma home supporters.
For a more comprehensive view of the game, seats along the sides of the pitch in the Distinti or Tribuna sections provide an excellent vantage point. The Tribuna Tevere and Tribuna Monte Mario sections are popular for a balanced action view.
Ticket prices for football matches at the Stadio Olimpico can vary depending on the opponent, the competition, and the location of the seats. Generally, tickets for seats in the Curva sections may be more affordable, while tickets for seats along the sides of the pitch or in the main stands can be pricier. On average, you can pay a moderate to high range for tickets to popular matches, especially those involving AS Roma or SS Lazio in key competitions.
Where to Buy Tickets
Buying tickets through official channels is recommended to ensure authenticity and avoid scams. You can purchase tickets directly from the official websites of AS Roma and SS Lazio, the two football clubs that call Stadio Olimpico home. Additionally, reputable ticket platforms or authorized resellers may offer tickets for football matches at the stadium. Always be cautious when buying tickets from unofficial sources to avoid potential issues.
Where do football fans meet before the match?
Where do Football Fans Meet before the Match at Stadio Olimpico in Rome
Football fans of S.S. Lazio and A.S. Roma, two renowned Rome-based clubs, have distinct pre-match gathering spots at Stadio Olimpico.
- S.S. Lazio Fans: Lazio supporters assemble in Piazzale di Ponte Milvio near the stadium, a hub of fan activity on game days. This location is more than a meeting point; it’s a cultural and social center where fans engage in rituals and traditions. In the hours leading up to a match, mainly two hours prior, the vicinity of Ponte Milvio buzzes with Lazio fans, filling its bars and spaces with anticipation and camaraderie.
- A.S. Roma Fans: Roma supporters, in contrast, lack a specific, large gathering spot before games. This absence impacts their pre-match traditions and collective experience.
These locations are chosen based on the stadium’s geography and the arrangement of stands, influencing where each club’s fans meet. Such gatherings are crucial to the football culture in Rome, nurturing a sense of unity and enthusiasm for the sport among fans.
Interesting Facts about the Olympic Stadium in Rome
Here are some interesting facts about the Stadio Olimpico in Rome:
- Olympic Connection: The Stadio Olimpico was initially built in Rome for the 1960 Summer Olympics. It was designed to host the athletic events of the Games and has since become a multi-purpose stadium.
- Shared Home: The stadium serves as the home ground for two of Italy’s top football clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio. This unique arrangement makes it one of the few stadiums shared by rival teams worldwide.
- Large Capacity: With a seating capacity of over 70,000, it is one of the largest sports venues in Italy. The capacity was expanded for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where it hosted the final.
- UEFA Champions League Finals: The Stadio Olimpico has hosted several UEFA Champions League finals, the most notable being the 2009 final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United, which Barcelona won 2-0.
- Historic European Championship Matches: The stadium has also witnessed some historic moments during the UEFA European Championship. It hosted the final of the 1968 tournament, where Italy defeated Yugoslavia, and the final of Euro 2000, where France triumphed over Italy.
- Versatile Venue: Besides football, the Stadio Olimpico has been used for various sporting events, including rugby matches, athletics competitions, and even concerts by renowned artists.
- Renovations: The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years to meet modern standards and improve facilities for both athletes and spectators.
- Roman Derby: The matches between A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, known as the Rome Derby, are among Italy’s most intense and passionate football fixtures. A fierce rivalry and enthusiastic fan support mark these clashes at the Stadio Olimpico.
- Host to Rock Legends: The Stadio Olimpico has been a stage for legendary rock bands and artists, including U2 (2017) and The Rolling Stones (2007), who have held iconic concerts at the venue.
- Italian National Team: The Italian national football team has played numerous vital matches at the Stadio Olimpico, making it a historic and significant location for Italian football.
These facts highlight the Stadio Olimpico’s rich history, versatility, and status as a landmark in sports and entertainment.
Read also about the Best Irish Pubs in Rome.
How to Get to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome
Getting to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome can be relatively straightforward, as it’s a well-known venue with various transportation options. Here’s how to get there:
- By Metro: Take Line A of the Rome Metro and leave at the “Flaminio” station. The Stadio Olimpico is within walking distance from this station. Follow the signs or the crowd, and you’ll reach the stadium on foot in about 15-20 minutes.
- By Tram: Tram line 2 runs from Piazza Mancini and stops in front of the Stadio Olimpico, a convenient option if you’re coming from the city center.
- By bus: Several bus lines, including 32, 200, and 280, have stops near the Stadio Olimpico. You can check the bus routes and schedules to find the most convenient option for your location in Rome.
What do you Need to Know Before Visiting a Football Stadium in Rome
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