San Nicola Stadium 2026

San Nicola Stadium, Bari

The Stadio San Nicola is one of Italy's most distinctive stadiums: designed by architect Renzo Piano for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, its upper tier is formed of 26 concrete 'petals' separated by open gaps, giving the bowl the look of a flower set into the Apulian countryside. The stadium hosted five matches at Italia '90 and holds 58,270 spectators, making it the third-largest football stadium in Italy after San Siro and Rome's Stadio Olimpico — and the largest used by a single club.

Home to SSC Bari, the San Nicola's size and open design have also made it a stage for major concerts and events in southern Italy.

Getting there

The stadium lies on the outskirts of Bari, away from the dense city centre, in an open setting that suits its flower-like silhouette. Plan your route in advance on event days and allow time for the approach roads, which carry heavy traffic before and after big matches and shows.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the San Nicola Stadium? The architect Renzo Piano, who conceived its 26-petal upper ring for the 1990 World Cup.

How many people does the San Nicola hold? 58,270 spectators, the third-largest capacity among Italian football stadiums.