Lecce Stadium Guide: Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare

Football may not be Lecce’s main calling card but the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare deserves a visit.

Built in 1966 on Lecce’s north-eastern edge, Via del Mare replaced the old Stadio Carlo Pranzo and is one of only a handful of grounds in Italy to have hosted the legendary Pele.

By the time Lecce kicked off their maiden Serie A campaign in 1984, the stadium had grown to a 55,000 capacity following a near-complete redevelopment, but Via del Mare was overlooked in the run-up to Italia 90. Organisers opted instead to build a brand new stadium in Bari.

The capacity has since been reduced to around 30,000.

Here’s all you need to know.

What Makes it Special?

Colours and noise. While Lecce’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed, their support remains as fervent as ever and the Via del Mare is routinely packed, with an average of just under 26,000 through the gates for their 2025-26 Serie A fixtures.

And while the ground is distinctly dated, that is part of its charm. A vast, concrete bowl dating back to when calcio ruled the world. What’s not to like?

How To Get There

The R4, R5 and S16 bus routes all connect Lecce’s old town with the stadium, leaving a 10-minute walk to the ground. The Stadio in Bus service – a special shuttle connection between Via del Mare and the town centre – operates from three hours before kick-off and after the final whistle. It does not run during the game.

Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes and public transport tickets are valid on the Stadio in Bus service. The complete list of stops can be found here. 

Lecce’s centro storico is a 10-minute cab ride from the ground.

Map

Neighbourhood Tips

Options around the Stadio Via del Mare are limited but you can get a takeaway pint and sandwich from a truck outside the ground and soak up the real calcio experience.

Need To Know

The Lecce ultras sit in the Curva Nord, while the Gruppo Gioventu – Youth Group – are at the opposite end in the Curva Sud, right next to the away support. Most of the curvas and the sector directly opposite the main stand are exposed to the elements.

Tickets

The ticket collection points are next to the car park adjacent to the Tribuna Centrale, the ground’s main stand. Our guide has all the information on Lecce tickets.