The new stadium will be a multifunctional facility, designed to host any type of event. Its size will be slightly reduced from its previous capacity.
The design of the taranto stadium was made by Gau Arena studio, which is also responsible for the Allianz Stadium in Turin. It will be the flagship of the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
History
After World War II, a nation torn apart by fighting needed a boost. Taranto got that boost in the form of state-of-the-art foundries, oil refineries, chemical works, cement factories and food-processing plants that skyrocketed the city's GDP — but also made the air a little heavier, the seawater a bit cloudier and the sun a bit hazier.
In the years that followed, the city forged its identity based on its love of football. It was all about identity paired with the pride of rallying together to support its local team at what was then known as Stadio Salinella.
Now the city is getting a new boost courtesy of the 2026 Mediterranean Games, and one of its most famous venues will be the stadium that is currently being built. The stadium will replace the current Stadio Erasmo Iacovone, which has been in existence since 1965. And that has some fans in a tizzy. An 85-year-old supporter even launched a fiery rant over the news that his beloved club will move their home matches 310 miles away.
A Vision of Modernity
The new stadium project is part of a broader urban regeneration plan aimed at revitalizing the city and boosting its visibility on both national and international levels. Featuring sleek architectural lines, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, Taranto Stadium is set to meet UEFA standards and accommodate thousands of spectators in comfort and safety.
Capacity
The stadium has a capacity of 27,584 people and is the home ground of Taranto Sport. It was previously known as the Salinella Stadium, named after the city district it is located in.
The project includes not only the stadium, but also other areas with parking, commercial spaces, a hotel, congress center and sports medicine center. It will be able to host any category of national and international events, as well as other activities.
The executive design has been presented to the public and the companies selected will be able to start their work in October-November. The construction should be completed by the summer of 2026, in time for the Mediterranean Games. During the Games, the stadium will be the main stage for basketball, football, rugby and volleyball competitions. The new stadium will also have an internal restaurant, skyboxes and other facilities. In addition, there will be a team museum. The stadium will have a total of approximately 44,000 square meters and will be a real multifunctional sports center.
Facilities
The project includes a new multipurpose hall Ricciardi for indoor athletics and martial arts and a swimming stadium. In order to save money and increase spectator comfort, the number of seats was reduced from 27,000 to 12,154. This has met with mixed reactions, with some residents criticising the move. The city's authorities stress that it is in the interests of spectator safety and quality.
The stadium is home to Taranto Sport, a professional Italian football club. It currently competes in Serie C Group C. The stadium is also used for other sporting events, including rugby matches and concerts.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Local authorities hope that the stadium will stimulate economic growth by attracting tourism, creating jobs, and encouraging investment. The project is also seen as a way to enhance civic pride and strengthen Taranto’s identity as a dynamic and forward-looking city.
