Stadio Flaminio - An Introduction

Introduction       In July 2011 the FIR announced that with effect from the 2012 season, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will host Italy's RBS Six Nations matches.

The Stadio Flaminio, which has hosted the tournament since Italy was admitted in 2000, is undergoing refurbishment. FIR President Giancarlo Dondi confirmed that once the work has been completed , and the work "corresponds with the requirements demanded by the Six nations" the Federation planned to return to the Flaminio. However no date has been set…..

The Stadio Flamino may be the smallest ground in the championship, but like the Italian team, what it lacks in presence, it more than makes up with heart.

Although the Romans would not even care to lift a dainty cappuccino at the thought of an international match in the Eternal City, Italians from the northern districts make the pilgrimage in droves   to the old Olympic Stadium to support their national team. There is a lovely amateur feel to the Stadio Flamino due to the views from the ground and its size.

Rome can be a difficult place to navigate due to its sheer size and, although the magnitude of the city and the apathy of the Romans can dilute both the pre and post-match atmosphere, a weekend in Rome offers a magnificent, if civilised, backdrop for a Six Nations party.

City: Rome

Country: Italy

Ground Opened: July 1957

Stadium Name  Stadio Flaminio

Stadium Address

Viale dello Stadio Flaminio

00196 Rome

Italy

Telephone          (39) 63 6851

Website               www.federugby.it

www.romaturiso.it

Capacity               The stadium's capacity is 24,973, although only 8,000 of those seats are under cover.

Rome-Stadio Flaminio: A Brief History

Designed by Pier Luigi and Antonio Nervi, the stadium was built in 1957 on the site of the previous Stadio Nazionale PNF. It was mainly used for football, and served as the venue for the football final at the 1960 summer Olympics.

The stadium was originally slated to become the home of Praetorians Roma, a newly-formed team that would be one of Italy’s two representatives in the Celtic League. However, it was decided that Benetton Treviso would replace Praetorians. The stadium is home to one of Rome’s less glamorous soccer clubs, Cisco Roma, and the rugby outfit Capitolina.

The ground staged Italy’s first six nations win, over Scotland, in their first Six Nations game in 2000, plus further wins over the Scots in 2004 and 2008, and victories over Wales in 2003 and 2007.

Last Updated May 2014

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