Let’s take a step back in time to the mid-1930s, when construction on this monumental arena first began. Picture busy workers hammering and shouting, concrete mixing in the sun, a city buzzing with anticipation. But then-just as the stadium’s foundations began to rise-the dark clouds of war swept in, silencing the hammers and freezing all progress. For years, the construction site sat in anxious suspense, like a football match stuck at a dramatic halftime.
Finally, in 1946, the city’s dream came alive. The stadium was completed and opened its gates to fans who flooded through, brimming with pride and hope after the war. The stadium’s name, Ezio Scida, was chosen in memory of a young local footballer who tragically died in a car accident on his way to play for the city’s beloved team. You could say that the spirit of Scida has been running up and down the field ever since, rooting for every goal.
At first, Ezio Scida Stadium only held about 5,000 fans-just enough to squeeze in Crotonesi of all ages, rain or shine. There was one covered stand, a second open stand, and a single curving terrace-the favorite spot for hardcore supporters to gather, shake banners, and sing at the top of their lungs. Over the years, those cheers grew louder, and so did the stadium. As Crotone’s football fortunes soared (and the team earned promotion after promotion, all the way up to Serie A!), more curves, seats, and stands were built. By 2016, after one last expansion with shiny new metal bleachers and a few modern touches, the stadium reached its current capacity of over 16,500. That’s enough space to fit almost all of Crotone inside-plus a few very loud away fans.
Now, you might have noticed that this stadium isn’t just about football. Its very foundations are built atop the remnants of ancient Kroton, once a mighty city of Magna Graecia. For years, there was a struggle between honoring the past and celebrating the present. There were times, as recently as 2018, when the authorities declared the stadium off-limits because of the priceless archaeological treasures buried beneath. But, after a bit of back-and-forth-with the modern fans no doubt rooting just as hard as their ancient counterparts-the doors swung open once again. Football, history, and a healthy dose of bureaucratic drama-who says only what happens on the pitch is exciting?
The stadium’s architecture has its own quirks. You’ll spot four bold sectors, each with a life of its own: the mighty main stand with over 6,800 seats, the always animated "Curva Sud" for the ultras-named after legendary fan Giorgio Manzulli, and a maxed-out giant screen perfectly placed for instant replays and dramatic countdowns. Forget running tracks and velodromes; here the stands hug the field so closely, you can practically hear the players’ heartbeats-or the referee’s whistle!
And don’t worry-if you’re here to watch a match and the Calabria weather decides to join the fun, the main tribune now has a partial roof, finally keeping fans dry. That only took a few, erm, passionate complaints and some clever truss engineering.
Ezio Scida Stadium isn’t just about sports, either. Over the years, it’s hosted rock legends, pop concerts, and grand festivals. Imagine Vasco Rossi, Rino Gaetano, and even the infamous Festivalbar shaking these stands, lights flashing, music bouncing under the starlit sky.
So as you stand here, picture all those generations-fans, athletes, musicians, and dreamers-who’ve come together under these bright floodlights. For Crotone, the Ezio Scida Stadium is more than just a place to watch a match; it’s where the city comes alive. Now, if only these old walls could tell us which team is really the best... but I think they’d just chant, “Forza Crotone!”
