Stadiums in Rome

Two very different things can come to mind when thinking about Rome stadiums. One, of course, is the colossal and historic stadiums that have stood proud above the city for hundreds and hundreds of years. Places like the Roman Coliseum, built nearly two-thousand years ago when it packed in 55,000 screaming fans to watch death matches between gladiators and wild animals. Or the even older Circus Maximus, circa 600 BC, which held chariot and horse races for an incredible 150,000 spectators.

And then there are the modern stadiums in Rome, which have thankfully toned down the blood and guts a bit, though the fans can often seem just as crazy and enraged as they’ve always been. The Stadio Olimpico is Rome’s largest sports complex, home to the Lazio and Roma soccer clubs, as well as the Italian national rugby union team.

Rugby and soccer also take up at Stadio Flaminio, though the venue is considerably small than Olimpico and word of its eventual demise have been bantered about for years. Nonetheless, the interior includes a swimming pool, fencing area, amateur wrestling room, weightlifting, boxing, and gymnastics facilities, so it at least continues to get good use by amateur Roman athletes.

A more modern (though not by much) multi-purpose sports stadium in Rome is the PalaLottomatica, which is currently the home of the Italian professional basketball team Lottomatica Roma, and also schedules big concerts throughout the year.

Young or ancient, formerly used or currently active, Rome stadiums are definitely worth checking out.