The Calabrian club announces the significant restyling of its historic venue at the close of the championship, focusing on the Massimo Capraro stand and the grandstand roof.
With €10 million in funding secured and a meticulously crafted plan by Sportium, an architectural firm specializing in such projects, Catanzaro`s Ceravolo Stadium is set for a significant overhaul. Both the municipal administration and the Catanzaro club share a common goal: to minimize disruption for the team and its fans. A clearer timeline has now been established for the stadium`s renovation, which President Floriano Noto fondly calls “our temple.” The works are scheduled to commence immediately after the current championship concludes – “the day after,” as emphasized by Mayor Fiorita. Key areas of intervention include the Massimo Capraro curve, home to the most passionate supporters, and the grandstand roof.
Priorities: A Modern Transformation
Funded by regional contributions (€9 million) and the PNRR (€1 million), the municipality and President Noto`s club have finalized the renovation scope. This plan is based on a broader masterplan previously developed by Sportium for Confindustria Catanzaro. The most significant and long-awaited change, discussed in the city for over two decades, concerns the Massimo Capraro stand. It will be demolished and rebuilt closer to the pitch, just 10 meters from the end line, transforming from a traditional curve into an “English-style” straight stand. This particular phase is expected to be the quickest, with the steel-clad Capraro reconstruction potentially completed before the start of the next season.
Removing Obstructions: Clear Views for All
Simultaneously, the support pillars beneath the main stand`s roof will be removed. These pillars, unlike the `romantic` ones at Arsenal`s old Highbury stadium, often obstruct views, causing discomfort for many spectators during matches. The existing roof, more than 50 years old, will be dismantled and replaced with a new one. The mayor emphasized the commitment to quality in both execution and outcome. He explained that in the coming months, the executive project will be submitted, tenders will be issued, materials sourced, and all necessary technical and bureaucratic procedures completed before the actual start of construction.
Strategic Postponement and Future Plans
The decision to postpone the works is primarily driven by safety and comfort considerations. Although conducting renovations during the current championship was considered and technically feasible, it would have led to significant public order issues, such as relocating Capraro stand season ticket holders and accommodating away fans, alongside hindering Catanzaro`s season ticket campaign, which commences on Friday, July 18th. President Noto affirmed this as “the wisest solution.” He also revealed that the club is well into the advanced planning stages for a privately owned sports center, featuring six pitches, in a municipality adjacent to the Calabrian capital.
