SSC Napoli (Stadio Diego Armando Maradona)

Napoli’s iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has a rich history that spans over six decades, shaping its identity and significance in the world of football.

In 1959, the stadium made its debut in the Fuorigrotta district, chosen for its rapid urbanisation. Renowned architect Carlo Cocchia, known for his expertise in Fascist-era rationalism, designed the original structure as a single elliptical ring. The San Paolo Stadium, initially roofless and open to the elements, featured external reinforced concrete ribs—56 in total—accessible via wide ramps.

Originally named Stadio del Sole, symbolising Naples’ post-war rebirth, it was later renamed Stadio San Paolo in 1963. 

The 1980 European Championships prompted the first major redevelopment, including a new floodlighting system and a two-story building. Despite proposals for a third ring, construction only began during the 1990 World Cup, with added height closed due to stability concerns.

Remodelled for the 1980 European Championship and the 1990 World Cup, the stadium underwent continuous renovations, including restyling in 2010 and stadium-wide works in 2019 for the Summer Universiade. The capacity was slightly reduced with the addition of wider seats and large screens.

Hosting matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the stadium continued its legacy by hosting Italy’s Euro 2008 qualifier in 2006. 

Renovations for the 2019 Summer Universiade brought modern changes like glass barriers and new seats, further reducing the capacity.

In honour of the legendary Diego Maradona, whose impact on Napoli was transformative, the stadium was renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in 2020. The proposal, following Maradona’s passing, was unanimously approved by the City Council.

Maradona’s arrival in 1984 marked a pivotal moment, elevating Napoli to international acclaim through his extraordinary ability, vision, and charisma.

Located in the western Fuorigrotta suburb of Naples, Italy, Stadio Diego Armando Maradona proudly stands as the fourth-largest football stadium in the country, following the footsteps of San Siro in Milan, Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and San Nicola in Bari.

Beyond its significance in football, the stadium has evolved into Naples’ primary sports centre, boasting an impressive array of facilities. With features such as an 8-lane track, three sports gyms, a boxing gym, a fitness gym, and a wrestling and martial arts gym, the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium has become a focal point for sports enthusiasts in Naples.

More than just a venue for athletic competitions, the stadium holds profound cultural and symbolic importance for the city. Serving as a symbol of Naples, it reflects the values and resilience of a community that has confronted economic and social challenges. 

The link between the stadium and Maradona transcends football; it embodies the spirit of the Neapolitan people, characterised by ardent passion and determination in the face of adversity.

Divided into six sectors, with an additional guest sector, the stadium offers a variety of seating choices. The curves, popular and budget-friendly, lead to the choice between Curva A and Curva B, with options for upper and lower sections. The Distinti section strikes a balance between affordability and a good view, positioned between the curves and the more premium Tribuna Posillipo and Tribuna Nisida. A dedicated Tribuna Family chapter caters to families, offering a restricted view but a family-friendly atmosphere.

Each Curva boasts its own Ultra’s group, with a designated area typically cordoned off for ultras in the stands. 

After its most recent renovations, the Napoli stadium capacity is 54,726 seats.

When it was first built, the San Paolo Stadium had a capacity of 90,000 standing spectators.

There isn’t a tour available of the Napoli stadium.

Other interesting and related tours in the city include:

• A walking tour outside the exterior of the stadium from a local fan. 
• Diego Maradona city walking tours where you can explore the deep love of the Neapolitan people for Diego Maradona.

There are two convenient ways to acquire your tickets: online through the dedicated portal TicketOne or by visiting authorised ticket offices in person. The online sale on TicketOne opens approximately a week before each match, with priority given to those holding a Fidelity Card.

Always ensure you have a valid identification document.

The stadium offers a range of seating options across its six sectors. For those seeking a popular and budget-friendly choice, the curves are the go-to sections. The Distinti section strikes a balance, providing a good view at a price between the curves and the premium Tribuna Posillipo and Tribuna Nisida. Families can opt for the dedicated Tribuna Family, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with a slightly restricted view.

Ticket prices are changing, influenced by factors such as the opposing team, the competition, and the current form of Napoli.

To ensure a seamless matchday experience, it’s advisable to arrive early, considering that security queues can be substantial, and seat numbers might not be strictly adhered to.

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona enjoys excellent connectivity with all corners of the city, strategically located in the Fuorigrotta district. This area is serviced by both Metro Line 2 and the Cumana line, along with a network of buses facilitating travel to and from the city centre.

For those utilising the metro, the key station is ‘Campi Flegrei,’ situated 750 metres from the stadium, translating to a convenient 10-minute walk. Alternatively, the Cumana line offers the ‘Mostra-Stadio-Maradona’ stop, reducing the distance to 550 metres and a 7-minute walk.

If opting for the bus route, hop on the 151 ANM line and disembark at Piazzale Tecchio. This bus route connects to central areas such as the Central Station, Molo Beverello, or Piazza Vittoria, providing flexibility and accessibility for matchday travel.

Naples is a city brimming with character, boasts a plethora of charming, independently run cafes, bars, and restaurants.

While its reputation as potentially unsafe for tourists can be slightly exaggerated, it’s advisable to go to bars and restaurants in more popular areas, such as the city centre and the area around the stadium.

Although the food options within the stadium’s concourses may be somewhat limited, the stretch between the station and the stadium is teeming with street vendors offering affordable slices of pizza.

Derby del Sole (Napoli vs Roma)

Derby delle Due Sicilie (Napoli vs Palermo)

The club also has a rivalry with Juventus.

90,736 (Napoli vs. Juventus, 15 December 1974)

SSC Napoli is committed to providing an inclusive experience for disabled fans, implementing a seat reservation procedure to ensure accessibility.

The process involves two stages. In the first stage, fans can request a unique booking code through an online form on www.sscnapoli.it. Documentation, including a disability certificate and proof of identity, must be attached to meet necessary requirements.

Upon completing the procedure, eligible fans gain access to specialised seating areas. 

For disabled wheelchair users, there are three tiers available for purchase:

Main Stand Lower Tier

• Capacity: 44 seats for disabled fans, 44 seats for carers
• Dedicated entrance: Gate 5
• Four dedicated toilets

Curva A Lower Tier

• Capacity: 28 seats for disabled fans, 28 seats for carers
• Dedicated entrance: Gate 23
• Two dedicated toilets

Curva B Lower Tier (reserved for disabled fans using a wheelchair)

• Capacity: 28 seats for disabled fans, 28 seats for carers
• Dedicated entrance: Gate 9
• Two dedicated toilets

For disabled fans not using a wheelchair, falling under the second category, ticket options are available for the Distinti Lower Tier.

Distinti Lower Tier (for disabled fans not using a wheelchair)

• Capacity: 120 seats for disabled fans, 120 seats for carers
• Dedicated entrances: Gate 19 and Gate 16
• Eight dedicated toilets.

SSC Napoli fixture list 2023/24