Stadio Olimpico

Stadio Olimpico was developed to act as the centrepiece of the Foro Italia sports complex, a project initiated by the regime of Mussolini.

Construction started in 1928 and a first tier had been finished in 1932. Works on the second tier were halted though due to the outbreak of the Second World War and were only resumed in December 1950.

Stadio Olimpico was formally inaugurated on the 17th of May 1953 with a match between the national sides of Italy and Hungary. Capacity amounted to 100,000 at that time, which constituted mainly of terraces.

Stadio Olimpico served as the centrepiece stadium for the 1960 Olympics, and for this all terraces got converted into seats, resulting in a capacity of 53,000 seats. Throughout the Games, the ground was the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics competitions.

Eight years later, Stadio Olimpico was the principal venue of the Euro 1968 Championships, for which it was the venue for the match for third place and the final between Italy and Yugoslavia (2-0 after a replay)

Stadio Olimpico remained largely unchanged until it again was the playing venue of a European Championships, this time the tournament in 1980. It staged three group matches and the final between West-Germany and Belgium (2-1).

In those years, it in addition staged twice a European cup final: the first in 1977 between Liverpool and Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1) and the second in 1984 between again Liverpool and AS Roma (1-1).

When Italy got awarded the 1990 World Cup, it was clear that the ground needed a massive refurbishment. While initial plans only aimed to refurbish the ground, a few redesigns later an almost complete new arena had been built. The stands were now much closer to the pitch and the ground had been equipped with a roof. This resulted in a capacity of 74,000 seats.

Throughout the World Cup, Stadio Olimpico staged all three of Italy's group matches, Italy's round of 16 match and quarter-final, and the final between Germany FR and Argentina (1-0).

In later years, the ground staged two more Champions League finals: the first in 1996 between Juventus and Ajax (1-1) and the second in 2009 between Barcelona and Manchester United (2-0).

Stadio Olimpico underwent a last refurbishment in 2007 to keep it eligible to host future Champions League finals. This included, among others, the replacement of all seats.

Both AS Roma and Lazio have at times expressed unease at playing in the much-too-large and aged CONI-owned stadium. In the mid 2000s, Lazio had plans to move to a new arena, but these came to nothing.

AS Roma at present have concrete plans to build a new arena, Stadio della Roma, which will have a capacity of 52,500 seats and they hope to have completed in 2021, though the project have it some setbacks recently.

(images of the current Stadio Olimpico below)

Stadio Olimpico is situated towards the north of Rome at about 4 kilometres north of Vatican City. This venue is situated within the Foro Italico sports complex, which is enclosed by the river Tiber on one side and a nature reserve on the other.

To get to the ground by car, first make your way to the Rome ringroad (G.R.A.), and then take exit N5 towards Flaminia (on the northern side of the G.R.A.). From there follow the signs to Foro Italico.

There are no metro stations close to the ground, but it is rather easy to reach by tram. Tram 2 passes the ground on the other side of the river and can be taken from metro stop Flaminio on line A, which is close to the Villa Borghese gardens and Piazza del Popolo. Take the tram in the direction of Mancini and get off at stop Mancini.

Alternatively, one can take bus 32 just north of Vatican City at metro stop Ottaviano. Take the bus in the direction of Tor di Quinto and get off at stop Stadio Tennis.

Bus 280 can in addition be caught from the Castel Sant'Angelo or metro Lepanto. Take the bus in the direction of Mancini and get off at stop Stadio Tennis.

Address: Via Foro Italico, 00194 Roma

Stadio Olimpico is situated in a pleasant area long the river Tiber. It is part of the Foro Italico sports complex that was constructed by the Italian fascist regime, which means a few architecturally interesting structures.

Unfortunately, Stadio Olimpico does not run any venue tours, which means that on non-matchdays one can only see the ground from the outside and walk around the complex. Rome's other significant stadium, Stadio Flaminio lies at a short walk on the other side of the river.

There are few options to eat or drink at the Foro Italico complex itself, but the area on the other side of the river is a typical Italian urban neighbourhood, which means that it will not be hard to find an espresso, gelato, or pizza. Of course, the options pale in comparison with Rome's downtown area, and the area in addition lacks proa nightlife.

If you wish to stay near Stadio Olimpico, there are quite a few hotels around, though it almost always takes at minimum 10 to 20 minutes to walk to the ground.

Hotels in the area around Stadio Flaminio include Hotel Villa Glori, Best Western Hotel Astrid, Suites Piazza del Popolo, and Face to Face House. These get good reviews, charge between €75 and €125 for a double room, and have the added advantage that the tram to Piazza del Popolo passes right by.

Hotels south of the ground include Hotel Clodio, and a few bed & breakfasts. The options north-east of the ground include Hotel Farnesina, and the slightly more luxurious River Chateau Hotel. To browse hotels near Stadio Olimpico use the linked guides.

If you wish to stay closer to the centre, but want to strategically locate your hotel toward Stadio Olimpico, then staying near Piazza del Popolo or near metro stop Ottaviano (generally cheaper) are good options. More hotels in Rome here.

Admission for AS Roma matches are sold online via Listicket, by phone +39 892 982 (Listicket call centre), in person at one of the AS Roma stores (of which the ones at Piazza Colonna 360 and Via Appia Nuova 130 are most centrally located), or at the Foro Italico Ticket Office near Stadio Olimpico (Viale delle Olimpiadi 61).

On the day of the match tickets are available at the Foro Italico Ticket Office until kickoff (at the AS Roma stores until a few hours before kickoff). AS Roma at present rarely sell out and even for high-profile matches tickets are generally without difficulty available if bought in advance.

AS Roma have divided their home matches into two pricing categories. Admission for category B matches, the cheapest, range in price from €25.00 for a seat behind the goal to €65.00 for a seat at one of the sides. Admission for category A matches, the most expensive, cost between €35.00 and €80.00.

Visitors will find a seating plan here.

There are at present no possibilities for venue tours at Stadio Olimpico.