Since 2012, the second camp of the Foro Italico, the 6,300-seat mobile structure has moved to Sicily. But the opposition criticizes the operation
The Grand Stand Arena, from 2012 onwards, was the second largest field in the Foro Italico complex and therefore at the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome, behind only the Centrale. It was built fourteen years ago on the land that housed the old field no. 10 with a capacity of 3,500 seats. Various renovations, name changes and innovations led in 2019 to the structure we know today: 6,300 spectators, mobile, made of steel and polyvinyl chloride for a surface area of approximately 5000 square metres. The peculiarity, in fact, is that it is a “removable” structure. And this is in fact precisely what will happen in the near future, with the Grand Stand Arena which, having been decommissioned from the Capitoline Masters 1000 site (a new field will be built in the swimming pool area), should be moved to Palermo.
the plan
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The relocation of the structure in the Sicilian capital, following a resolution approved by the municipal council on 30 December 2025, proceeds with a view to redeveloping the urban territory. The facility, which has a purely sporting function, could in fact also host concerts and allow greater connection between the city’s young people. The Grand Stand Arena, with a cost of approximately 6.4 million euros and the obligation to complete the work and finalize the spending by 31 December 2026 (unless extended) will be located in Viale Diana, in the Parco della Favorita. An enchanting area of the city, close to other sports centers such as the racecourse, municipal swimming pool and tennis club, with the involvement of the Sport and Health body, partner of the Internazionali d’Italia and owner of the Grand Stand Arena. But, before officially starting work, there are still issues to be resolved.
opposition
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In addition to completing the economic steps and formalizing the necessary authorizations, there is also the opinion of the municipal opposition to consider. Who on Friday 2 January presented, in rather harsh terms, a question to the mayor Roberto Lagalla. Below are some extracts: “An operation worth over 6 million euros which raises serious questions from a legal, economic, urban and political perspective, and which risks transforming Palermo into yet another final destination for structures abandoned elsewhere. This operation tells of a precise cultural and political approach: Palermo not as a city to be valorised, but as a place to place what is no longer needed elsewhere. Palermo does not need to become the dustbin of Italy”. Strong words, which clash with the main intent, and the city council’s view of prospects and horizons, of transferring the Grand Stand Arena to Sicily.
interventions
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In the resolution approved at the end of 2025 we read how being able to host a plant of this type will also fit into the interventions for the redevelopment of Borgo Nuovo, a neighborhood with problems of urban decay. So as to allow the use of a “higher rank” structure to allow children from the neighborhood and surrounding areas to compete and carry out competitive activities. The project has started, the intentions are the best (“the Grand Stand Arena will allow the practice of various sports disciplines, significantly increasing the social value of the infrastructure” comments the mayor) while awaiting developments. The only certainty is that, after 14 years and many champions treading the ground, the Grand Stand Arena will leave the Foro Italico complex, and will no longer be part of the wonderful theater of the Internazionali d’Italia.
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