One of Serie C’s newest grounds, the Stadio Euganeo opened its doors in 1994 when it replaced Padova’s crumbling Stadio Appiani.
The club had long sought to build a new stadium, submitting proposals for a new venue with a 48,000 capacity as early as 1987.
The customary delays in proceedings, however, meant that by the time Padova played in their new home for the first time seven years later, the Euganeo was yet to be completed.
An established Serie A club by the time of their first match at the Euganeo, Padova had been relegated to Serie C2 by the time work was eventually complete with the construction of the Curva Sud in 1999.
Despite the club’s travails, with a capacity just north of 32,000, the Euganeo remained Veneto’s second-biggest stadium behind the Bentegodi in Verona.
That, however, has changed drastically over the past decade, with capacity cut to just over 18,000 amid safety concerns and an ongoing renovation project designed to eliminate the running track.
At just over 3,000, Padova’s average home attendance is a fraction of that, but still good enough to be third-highest in Serie C Group A, behind Triestina and arch-rivals Vicenza, who average a shade under 9,000.
In 2021, part of the running track was removed to bring the Curva Sud closer to the pitch, but the stadium remains an incongruous, lopsided mess.
At the opposite end, meanwhile, the Curva Nord remains completely exposed to the elements and approximately 70 metres from the pitch.
Padova Ultras have boycotted home games this season in protest to the club’s stance over the stadium and the Euganeo’s future is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
Stadio Euganeo factfile
- Capacity: 8,000
- Club: Padova
- Opened: 1994 (last renovated in 2022)
- Address: Viale Nereo Rocco, 60, 35136 Padova
How to get to the Stadio Euganeo
The Euganeo is located on the edges of Padova’s ring road, almost an hour walk from the main train station and Piazza dei Signori, the city’s main square.
From Padova train station
U10/U12/U42 Bus from Ferrovia Corsia 3 stop towards Capolinea Caselle – One stop to Garibaldi Eremitani stop, then U11 Bus from Garibaldi Giardini stop towards Capolinea Taggi – 10 stops to Monta’ 96 stop, followed by a 15-minute walk.
- Walk five minutes to Ponti Romani 6 stop then U13 Bus towards Capolinea Altichiero – Seven stops to Sacro Cuore fr 55 stop, followed by a 20-minute walk.
From Piazza dei Signori
- Walk five minutes to Ponti Romani 6 stop then U13 Bus towards Capolinea Altichiero – 12 stops to Sacro Cuore fr 55 stop, followed by a 20-minute walk.
- Walk five minutes to Ponti Romani 6 stop then U11 Bus towards Capolinea Taggi – 12 stops to Monta’ 96 stop, followed by a 15-minute walk.
How to get drive to the Stadio Euganeo
The Euganeo is a 10-minute cab ride from both Padova’s main train station and Piazza dei Signori, the old town’s main square.
The stadium is a 35-minute drive away from Venice’s Marco Polo airport, while Treviso and Verona international airports are respectively 40 and 55 minutes away by car.
How to buy public transport tickets
Like in other major cities in Italy, you can just tap your card on public transport in Padua.
Tickets are also available from bus drivers on board at €0.80 surcharge and at ticket offices and authorised selling points throughout Padua’s metropolitan region and at automatic machines.
A single ticket costs €1.70, while a daily ticket comes in at €4.50.
How to buy Padova tickets
Tickets can be bought online via VivaTicket.it or in person at authorised VivaTicket sales points and at the ground.
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