The Stadio San Nicola is one of Italy’s biggest, most ambitious and arguably most head-scratching arenas currently in existence. Built for the 1990 World Cup, it was one of only two stadiums — along with the Stadio delle Alpi — that was created anew for the tournament.
Unlike the loathed Delle Alpi, however, the San Nicola is still standing, its enormous 58,270 seats a testament to what happens when conflicts of interest occur in individuals with power.
The San Nicola, while an architecturally brilliant stadium, is far too big for a club of Bari’s stature. It ranks as the third-biggest arena in the country behind San Siro and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The fact that the stadium, built to size at the behest of then-FIGC president Antonio Matarrese (a Bari native), never sold out until 24 years after being built highlights just how much of a white elephant it is.
Designed by the legendary architect Renzo Piano, the San Nicola was built to resemble a flower, consisting of 26 ‘petals’ at the top of the stadium. It hosted five games at Italia ’90, in addition to the 1991 European Cup final, a drab affair between Marseille and Red Star, with the latter winning on penalties.
Since then, it’s been used by Bari, mostly in Serie B, and has had the odd bit of renovation carried out, with parts of the cavernous stadium falling into disrepair. So far this season, the Galletti‘s average home attendance is just under 17,000, a long way away from filling the San Nicola again.
However, visitors are treated to a fantastic atmosphere.
Stadio San Nicola factfile
• Capacity: 58,270
• Clubs: Bari
• Opened: 1990
• Address: Strada Torrebella, 70124, Bari
How to get to the Stadio San Nicola
The San Nicola proves to be one of the most difficult stadiums in Italy to get to by public transport. The stadium is located some 8km from the city’s historic centre, on the southern edge of the city, and 5.5km from Bari’s central railway station, it essentially has the feel of a spaceship that landed in the middle of nowhere.
From Bari Centrale railway station
Stadio San Nicola can be reached by bus 20 or 71 from Bari Centrale. However, it’s not the quickest of journeys and takes roughly around 50 minutes. Bus 71 is quicker but stops further away from the stadium on the other side of the motorway, and requires another 20 minutes walking.
How to buy public transport tickets
A single journey ticket can be bought for as little as €1 from any ‘tabacchini’ (tobacco) shop in the city. For more information on bus schedules/timetables, visit website www.amtab.it/it for more details.
How to drive to Stadio San Nicola
The San Nicola lies just south of the Tangenziale di Bari, the city’s ring road. Take exit 10B. The stadium is signposted coming from the west. The Bari metro system doesn’t reach as far as the stadium, therefore taking the metro isn’t an option. The best way to get to the San Nicola from the airport is also by car. Take the SS16 and follow directions, take the exit at 10B to Via Bitritto/SP236. Depending on traffic, the journey should take roughly 20 minutes.
How to buy Bari tickets
Tickets to Bari games can be bought through official ticket retailer Ticketone. Moreover, with the San Nicola very rarely selling out, tickets can also be bought at the stadium on match days. Go to the ticket window of gate 22 at the stadium along with your passport and a ticket can be bought.
If in the city centre, you can also buy tickets for games at various sales points, the list of which you can find here on the official Bari website. And don’t confuse the San Nicola stadium with the San Nicola cathedral located in Bari Vecchia.
