Stadio Fratelli Ballarin, Historic football stadium in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.
Stadio Fratelli Ballarin was a football stadium in San Benedetto del Tronto, situated close to the port area, with covered grandstands built in a traditional English style and positioned very near the pitch. After closing in 1985, the structure stood unused for decades before demolition work started in 2024.
The stadium opened in November 1931 under the name Campo del Littorio and served as Sambenedettese's home ground until 1985. It was later renamed to honor the Ballarin brothers, two local footballers who died in the 1949 Superga air disaster.
The stadium was known among supporters as the "Tana dei Leoni," meaning Lions' Den, a name tied to how close the stands were to the pitch. Fans seated just a few rows from the touchline could feel every move of the game, which gave home matches a distinct energy.
The stadium has been closed since 1985 and demolition started in 2024, so the site may not be fully accessible when you visit. It is worth checking the current state of the grounds before making a trip there.
In June 1981, a fire broke out in the south stand caused by choreography materials brought in by supporters, causing serious damage to that section of the ground. The incident sparked a wider debate in Italy about safety rules inside football stadiums.
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