Stadio Renato Dall’Ara
Bologna, Italy
Stadio Paolo Mazza
Ferrara Italy
Stadio Paolo Mazza is a historic football arena located in Ferrara, Italy, featuring an official exact capacity of sixteen thousand one hundred and thirty-four spectators. Serving as the proud home ground for SPAL, the venue is classified under UEFA stadium infrastructure regulations to host professional football matches. This traditional English-style stadium stands out in Italy due to its close proximity between the stands and the pitch, creating an intimate sports environment.
By Lungoleno - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Capacity
16.134
Stadium History
The ground opened originally in September nineteen twenty-eight as Stadio Comunale before undergoing major expansions to accommodate top-tier football. Initial construction featured a basic velodrome and a single main concrete grandstand. Structural updates progressed through the decades, culminating in the complete removal of the cycling track to transform the venue into a football-specific arena. The property underwent deep structural modernizations following the return of SPAL to the upper tiers of Italian football, ensuring compliance with contemporary safety standards.
Architecture
The architecture of Stadio Paolo Mazza follows a classic rectangular English-style layout where all four stands sit close to the playing pitch. The structure is composed of a mix of reinforced concrete for the main historical stands and modern tubular steel modules for the end sections. A complete roofing system covers the main grandstand and the opposite side, utilizing lightweight metallic sheets supported by iron trusses. The fully enclosed corners and close proximity of the stands to the grass help trap vocal sound waves, generating a compact acoustic environment.
Club Identity
The stadium is named officially in honor of Paolo Mazza, who served as the legendary chairman of SPAL for over three decades and was a highly respected figure in Italian sports history. The local community frequently refers to the venue simply as the Paolo Mazza or the Comunale in reference to its municipal origins. The name reflects the deep-rooted sports identity of Ferrara, celebrating a visionary administrator who discovered numerous talented Italian players during the golden era of the resident club.
Major Renovations
Significant modernization phases took place between two thousand sixteen and two thousand eighteen to completely upgrade the capacity and facilities. The renovation project involved rebuilding the Curva Est and Curva Ovest stands using modern steel framing while adding new roofing elements. The general seating layout is divided into the Tribuna Sud, the Tribuna Nord, the Curva Ovest for local supporters, and the Curva Est which contains the dedicated visitor section. The premium hospitality facilities include corporate skyboxes and a refurbished media zone located inside the main grandstand.
Iconic matches
The pitch has hosted decades of competitive league fixtures involving SPAL alongside select international youth matches. Memorable sporting moments include historical Serie A encounters against traditional powerhouses such as Juventus and AC Milan during the mid-twentieth century and the late twenty-teens. The venue also served as a neutral ground for various lower-league playoff matches and international fixtures for the Italian national women team.
Location Neighborhood
Stadio Paolo Mazza is situated in the western sector of Ferrara within the residential Rione Giardino neighborhood. The stadium is located less than one kilometer from the main railway station and is easily reachable on foot from the historical city center. The surrounding streets feature traditional Italian apartment blocks, local cafes, and small public parks. On matchdays, the surrounding avenues turn into lively pedestrian zones filled with match attendees walking toward the turnstiles.
How to get to Stadio Paolo Mazza
The venue is easily accessible via public transit due to its central urban location. Travelers arriving at the Ferrara railway station can walk to the turnstiles in approximately ten minutes. Local bus lines number three and number four provide regular connections from different parts of the city to stops near the ground (check schedules before your visit). Accessible parking spaces and dedicated entry gates are available for supporters with disabilities, though regional traffic restrictions apply around the perimeter on matchdays.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
The Tribuna Nord and Tribuna Sud offer the most comfortable viewing experience with full overhead roof protection and central views of the pitch. Budget-conscious spectators usually choose the Curva Ovest, which is the vibrant heart of the local fandom. Traveling fans are allocated tickets in the Curva Est, which provides a dedicated away section equipped with independent turnstiles and separate refreshment facilities to ensure maximum safety.
Stadio Paolo Mazza Tour & Behind the Scenes
Official stadium tours and visits to the historical rooms of SPAL are organized occasionally by the club administration rather than on a daily operating schedule (check before your visit). These special tours allow visitors to explore the changing rooms, the tunnel, and the pitchside technical area. Ticket reservations and availability updates must be checked through the official club communication channels prior to traveling.
Where to eat and drink near Stadio Paolo Mazza
The streets surrounding the stadium feature multiple traditional bars and mobile food trucks serving local specialties. Fans frequently gather before kickoff to enjoy typical regional street food like piadina and panino con la salama. Local establishments serve classic Italian beers and regional wines to matchgoers. Inside the stadium perimeter, basic refreshment kiosks offer snacks, soft drinks, and light beers during halftime.
Good to know
Security protocols at the gates require a valid identity document matching the name printed on the match ticket. The stadium utilizes an electronic ticketing system, and supporters are advised to arrive at least one hour before kickoff to avoid queues. Large backpacks, professional cameras, glass bottles, and long umbrellas are strictly prohibited inside the arena. Cashless payment methods are widely accepted at the internal refreshment stands, though carrying some cash is recommended for external food trucks.
Fan Shop
The official merchandising products for SPAL are available at the main club store located near the stadium area and through the official online retail platform. The physical store stocks authentic jerseys, scarves, and various club-branded souvenirs. Opening hours are usually extended on matchdays to accommodate match attendees, though checking the latest schedules online is recommended before your visit.
FAQ
How far is Stadio Paolo Mazza from the Ferrara train station?
The stadium is located approximately one kilometer from the Ferrara railway station, which takes about ten minutes to walk along a flat urban route.
Where do the away fans sit at Stadio Paolo Mazza?
Visiting supporters are seated in the Curva Est, a dedicated section that features independent entry turnstiles and separate security barriers.
Can I buy match tickets directly at the stadium on matchday?
Tickets can be purchased at the official box office on matchday if the event is not sold out, but buying online in advance is highly recommended to secure a seat.
Is the stadium covered in case of rain?
The Tribuna Nord and Tribuna Sud stands are fully covered by a roof, whereas the end stands behind the goals offer limited or no weather protection.
Which stand hosts the main local supporters group?
The local ultras and most passionate fans of SPAL gather in the Curva Ovest, which is famous for its vibrant matchday choreographies and chanting.
