Roma and Lazio Stadium Guide: Stadio Olimpico

The stage for the 1990 World Cup final and home of the 1960 Olympic Games, the Stadio Olimpico is one of Italy’s most atmospheric sporting arenas.

Originally opened in 1953 – 25 years after construction began – as Stadio dei Centomila (Stadium of the 100,000), it took on its current name two years later after Rome was awarded hosting rights to the 1960 Olympics.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of your visit.

What Makes It Special

Italy’s biggest stadium, apart from the San Siro, is just as recognisable as its Milanese counterpart. Tucked away within the Foro Italico sports complex, which is enclosed by the river Tiber on one side and a park on the other, the surroundings are idyllic.

Once inside, however, at its raucous best the Olimpico feels like a modern-day Colosseum, all colours and noise cascading down from three tiers. It reserves its best for the Derby della Capitale, one of the most combustible fixtures in football and one of the most scenographic, too.

And while it may seem dated compared to more modern, swankier counterparts, the Olimpico oozes history. From Italia 90 to four European Cup/Champions League finals, and the 1968 and 1980 European Championship, the Olimpico has been central to some of sport’s most iconic moments over the decades.

Almost entirely rebuilt for the 1990 World Cup, the Olimpico last had a face lift in 2007 to keep it eligible to host Champions League finals.

How To Get There

Metro line A is the easiest way to reach the Olimpico from Rome’s main train station, Roma Termini. Bus routes 31, 69, 168, 280, 301 and 628 all stop at the Stadio Olimpico. Visit the ATAC Website for more information.

The stadium is a 45-minute walk from Ottaviano and Lepanto metro stations, the closest stations to Vatican City.

Map

Neighbourhood Tips

There are plenty of options for pre-match drinks, the best places for atmosphere and what to do when the final whistle goes.

If you’re attending a Lazio match, there is only one place to be. The Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, on the northern side of the pedestrian bridge it is named after, is where thousands of Laziali congregate before every home game.

At the southern end of the Viale delle Olimpiadi is one of the most popular pre-match spots near the stadium, the bustling Bar della Musica. Serving up cold beers and hot sandwiches, this is where Roma fans congregate to greet the team bus, generally 60-90 minutes before kick-off.

So, if you want the true fan experience, it all depends on whether you are in town for a Roma game or to watch Lazio, as the two mix about as well as oil and water.

We have ultimate guides for Lazio and Roma with all the information you need.

Need To Know

Roma ultras sit in the Curva Sud while the Curva Nord houses the hardcore elements of the Lazio support. When the Biancocelesti play at home an eagle soars across the ground, homage to the bird on the club badge.

Use the gates from Viale XVII Olimpiade if sat in the Tribuna Monte Mario and Distinti Nord/Sud. Use the gates marked as Gladiatori/Olimpiadi on Piazzale Clodio if heading to the Curva Sud and Distinti, and the Zona Tribuna Tevere if you are in the Tevere stand.

Tickets

Ticket collection points are at the Viale XVII Olimpiade entrance and on Piazzale Clodio. Information about how and when to buy tickets for Roma and Lazio is in our guides.