Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Stadio Carlo Castellani Viale delle Olimpiadi Empoli, Tuscany 50053 Italy
Year Opened: 1965
Capacity: 15,260
Stadio Castellani
Stadio Carlo Castellani is the main sports facility on Empoli and the site of the home match of the Empoli Football Club. Officially opened on September 12, 1965, it is located in the sports area of the city. Over the years, the stadium has undergone many renovations and expansion. “Tribuna Maratona” was made in metal for the Serie B championship in 1983/1984. Then, at the beginning of the ’90s, it was replaced with a cement structure with two floors, which eventually was covered in 2008. The two curves have been added to the Serie A championship in 1986/1987 (although the Empoli F.C. played the first home games of the season in Florence and Pistoia, the Castellani debut in Serie A championship was at Empoli F.C. vs A.S. Roma, November 2, 1986) and modernized about twenty years later.
The stadium is dedicated to Carlo Castellani, a player of Empoli F.C., and Livorno, who died in the concentration camp at Mauthausen in 1944. Stadio Castellani is also dedicated to Montelupo Fiorentino, a nearby town.
Food & Beverage 2
Prices of the bar located in “Tribuna” are lower than those of many other Italian stadiums. We spent €3.50 on a bottle of water and a sandwich. During the halftime break, we got a coffee for €1. To avoid waiting about 10 minutes for a coffee, it’s better go to the bar before the break. Peddlers of typical sandwiches and drinks are around the stadium before, during, and after the match.
Atmosphere 3
The two tribunes are the covered areas of the stadium. For the fans of the visiting team, there is a reserved area called “Curva Sud.” Between the playing field and the stands there is a tartan athletic track. The most awaited match is with Fiorentina, which is entitled “Derby dell’Arno”. Many fans fill the stadium during the matches versus Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan.
Neighborhood 3
The stadium is located in the northeast of the city, not far from the Park of Serravalle. It’s a quiet area of the city surrounded by greenery, and from here, it is easy to reach the center of Empoli. Near the stadium, there are the Palasport Aramini and the municipal swimming pool. Behind the “Curva Nord” there is another football field, the Sussidiario, where in the past the Empoli F.C. played some matches of Serie C (the third series of Italian football championship).
Fans 3
The most passionate fans of the Empoli F.C. don’t follow the matches from one of the two curves (as in most of Italy), but from “Tribuna Maratona.” Since October 2008, the “Tribuna Maratona” has been dedicated to Emiliano Del Rosso, a young fan of the Empoli F.C. that was the victim of a road accident.
Access 3
Stadio Carlo Castellani is about 1 km from the railway station. If arriving at Empoli by car, you will exit the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno Highway through either tollgate Empoli Est (coming from Florence or highway A1) or Empoli Ovest (coming from Pisa, Livorno or highway A12) and follow the signs for “stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans.
Return on Investment 4
In the 2012/13 Serie B championship season, ticket prices range from a maximum of €40 for “Poltrone,” to a minimum of €7.50, with a reduced rate for the “Maratona Inferiore.” The price for access to the “Curva Sud,” which is reserved for visiting supporters, is €10.
Extras 2
Empoli is near Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and Vinci, the town where the world-renowned artist Leonardo was born.
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