Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena Viale dei Mille, 3 Siena, Italy 53100 Italy
Year Opened: 1938
Capacity: 15,373
Siena Soccer
The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is the main facility for football in the city of Siena. The stadium is the scene of the home matches of Robur Siena.
It was built in the late 1930’s and was inaugurated on December 8, 1938 with a friendly match between Siena and Empoli. A few days later, on December 11, the stadium hosted Siena vs Pisa, a match for the Serie B championship, the second national division in Italy.
The stadium was expanded in the second half of the twentieth century: the discovery tribune was made in 1955, the lighting system was added at the football season 1969/1970, the curve Jolly (or Robur), and the curve San Domenico were built between the end of 1980’s and the end of 1990’s, and finally, the promotion of Siena in Serie B, 1999/2000, and then in Serie A 2002/2003, required other extension works.
Today, the total capacity of the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is 15,373 spectators. Since 1986, the facility has been named after Artemio Franchi, a Siena citizen and president of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) from 1973 to 1983.
Food & Beverage 3
In the tribune “Danilo Nannini” there is a bar with the following options: coffee € 1; sandwiches from € 2.50 to € 3; pizza and cakes € 2, pasta € 4. Between the first and second half of match Siena vs Sampdoria we bought a cake and a glass of tea, costing us € 3.5.
There is another bar in the area reserved for the supporters side.
Before going to the stadium we had lunch in a local restaurant with typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine (mixed cured meats, cheese, croutons and “pici”, special handmade spaghetti) at € 17. This would be my recommendation if you’re taking in a match at Siena. The concessions are about average for Italian football, but while in Tuscany, you are much better served when trying some of the authentic cuisine at any of the nearby restaurants.
Atmosphere 3
The tribune “Danilo Nannini” is the only covered seating in the stadium and has a capacity of 1,264 spectators. The staircase “Paolo De Luca” and the curves “Robur” and “Vittorio Beneforti” are without coverage, so keep that in mind when purchasing tickets.
“Curva Ospiti” (3,000 seats) is reserved for supporters accompanying the guest team. Between the playing field and the stands are still visible parts of the old athletics track.
The most anticipated match is against Fiorentina. The match between Siena and Fiorentina are called “Derby Guelfi-Ghibellini.”
Many fans are also present for the games against Juventus, Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma and Lazio.
Neighborhood 4
The city of Siena is divided in different “Terzi”: “Terzo di Camollia”, “Terzo di Città”, “Terzo di San Martino”.
The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is located in the “Terzo di Camollia,” in the north of the city.
In this area of Siena are also numerous attractions including the “Fortezza Medicea,” the house shrine of “Santa Caterina” and the “Rocca Salimbeni.” Give yourself plenty of time to explore the many treasures of this city. According to Roman legend, the city was founded by Senius, who was the son of Remus. The city itself is at least 2,400 years old.
Fans 2
The most passionate fans of Robur Siena follow matches from curve “Robur.” If you are choosing only one game to attend, then you will want to see one of the derby matches against Fiorentina.
Siena’s supporters base is smaller than many of the more well-known teams in Serie A, but the small and intimate setting helps to elevate the overall fan experience.
Access 3
To reach the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium from northern Italy (Florence, Bologna, Milan), you can take the A1 highway at “Firenze Certosa” and then take the “Firenze-Siena” motorway. However, if you are coming from the south (Rome, Naples), then the best route is the A1 highway at “Valdichiana” and then take the road “Bettolle-Siena.”
Once you arrive in town just follow the signs for “Stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans.
Return on Investment 4
In the 2012-2013 Serie A season, ticket prices range between a minimum of € 10 for the two curves, “Robur” and “Beneforti,” with discounts for students, to a maximum of € 45 for the staircase “Paolo De Luca.” Tickets for the covered tribune “Danilo Nannini” are more difficult to find and will likely be sold out for most matches, so if you plan to sit here, then be sure to get tickets well in advance.
Extras 4
The historic center of Siena has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
“Fortezza Medicea” is the seat of “Enoteca Italiana” where you can learn and taste the best Italian wines.
There are many local culinary products that deserve a taste.
Finally, not far from Siena, there are many spas where visitors can relax in the hot water.