Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Stadio Alberto Braglia Viale Monte Kosika Modena, Italy 41121 Italy
Year Opened: 1936
Capacity: 21,151
The Braglia of Modena
Stadio Alberto Braglia is the home of Modena Football Club. The facility was inaugurated on October 11, 1936 with a 0-0 draw between Modena and Cremonese in a Serie B match, the second tier of Italian football.
Initially named after Cesare Marzari, a former player for Modena FC, then after the Second World War the stadium was called Comunale, and then eventually given its present moniker of Stadio Alberto Braglia.
Braglia, born in a town near Modena, was a gymnast who won three gold medals in the Olympic Games of London (1908) and in the Olympic Games in Stockholm (1912). A bust and a plaque placed on the facade of the Tribuna Centrale remind visitors of his sporting feats.
The stadium in its nearly 80-year history has hosted home games of Carpi and Sassuolo. The black and green team of Sassuolo played at Braglia before moving to Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Carpi played at Braglia during the 1938/1939 season, when they played in Serie C, the third tier of Italian football, and will play their entire 2015-2016 season, because the Sandro Cabassi does not meet the criteria of capacity required from Serie A.
Another historic sporting event occurred here on May 29, 1940, when the cyclist Fausto Coppi won the eleventh stage of the Tour of Italy Florence-Modena, with the finish line just in the stadium Braglia, winning the pink jersey for being first in the standings. He would wear the jersey until the end of the competition.
Finally, it should be noted that the Italian national football team has played at Braglia in three matches: November 21, 2007 against the Faroe Islands; June 3, 2011 against Estonia; and September 11, 2012 against Malta. The Azzurri have been victorious in all of their matches at Braglia.
Food & Beverage 3
Behind the Curva Luigi Montagnani is Bar Stadio. Here you’ll find old jerseys and autographed footballs. It is a popular meeting place for the fans in yellow and blue. Outside the Braglia there are the classic sandwich peddlers.
Within the Tribuna Centrale there is a bar where spectators can find a dish typical of this area of Emilia Romagna. The simple dumpling (1.50 euro) or the stuffed dumpling (3.00 euro) are well worth a try. Fans can also find the classic pizza (2.50 euro), various drinks and beer (3.00 euro).
Atmosphere 4
Stadio Alberto Braglia is a little gem that can be counted among the best facilities of the Serie B during the 2015-16 season.
Included in the original structure that is still visible is the Tribuna Centrale designed by Umberto Costanzini, who also designed the Dall’Ara in Bologna. The two curves, the staircase and the sectors have been the subject of several renovations and the actual look and feel of the current venue dates back to the beginning of the millennium.
Various renovations over the years have resulted in the elimination of the athletics track; the installation of new lighting towers inclined towards the pitch; covering much of the seating areas (as of 2015 the only uncovered seating is in the curve reserved for guest supporters); seats with backrest in all sections have been installed (in the staircase some seats colored blue form the written “Modena F.C.”); and the installation of a giant screen above the guests curve.
Finally, in the summer of 2015, the grass of the playing field was completely redone, creating an area with 85% natural grass and 15% artificial grass. The latter work was carried out by a company which also made the playing field of the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid.
Neighborhood 3
The stadium is located in the north of Modena, still close to the historic city center.
On the other side of Viale Monte Kosika is the Novi Sad Park (about 60,000 square meters of green) which hosts several events throughout the year.
Fans 3
The most passionate fans of Modena follow the matches of their team from the Curva Luigi Montagnani. This section of the stadium was dedicated to the president of the Modena Football Club from 1997 to 2000. During the match banners, flags, shirts and scarves color the curve of yellow and blue.
The main rivals are the other teams in Emilia Romagna including Bologna, Carpi, Reggiana and Sassuolo.
Access 4
Reaching the Stadion Alberto Braglia is really simple. The train station is about 500 meters away.
If you are driving from Modena then pass the A1 (Milan-Naples) and A22 (Brenner-Modena). From the exit “Modena Nord” you must take the ring road and follow the signs to “Stadio.”
There are several car parks around the system.
Return on Investment 4
The cost of tickets to watch the home games for Modena FC as of the 2015/2016 season range from a maximum of 65 euro for the “Tribunissima autorità” to 6 euro for a seat in the Curva Luigi Montagnani. It’s a very reasonable price for the quality of football being played in this historic ground.
Extras 4
While you are in Modena do not miss the Enzo Ferrari Museum, the founder of the most famous car manufacturer in the world. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the figurine, because in Modena there is the Panini, a historical publisher of sports figures and comics. Finally, be sure to see the house museum of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
Emilia is also one of the best parts of Italy in regard to food and wine. Pick up some balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine, and Parmesan cheese.
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