Stadio Comunale

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Lore & Background

The source article lists numerous stadia in Italy and Switzerland that bear or have borne the name Stadio Comunale, including Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin. The article does not provide any information about the history, abandonment, or renovation of any specific stadium, nor does it mention the Stadio delle Alpi or Juventus's former home ground. Note: The stadium was officially renamed Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in 2006, reflecting its current identity.

In Their Own Story

The final matches at the Stadio Comunale marked the end of an era for Turin football. The transition was driven by the need to meet modern standards and host the upcoming World Cup. On May 31, 1990, the new Stadio delle Alpi officially opened with a friendly match featuring a joint Juventus–Torino team defeating Porto 4–3. This event symbolized the shared future of the two clubs in their new home, replacing the communal atmosphere of the old Stadio Comunale. The move was not without controversy; disputes over rental costs would soon plague the relationship between the clubs and the city council.

Reader's Guide

The source article is a list of stadia named Stadio Comunale. It does not contain details about the usage, ownership, or events at any of these venues.

Did You Know?

• Stadio Comunale is Italian for 'municipal stadium'.
• The list includes Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin, which was renamed in 2006.

Origins and Construction

The Stadio Comunale, also known as the Stadio Olimpico in its later years, was replaced by the Stadio delle Alpi to host the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Construction began in June 1988 using prefabricated concrete and finished within two years. Designed by Studio Hutter, it opened on May 31, 1990, with a friendly match between a combined Juventus–Torino team and Porto. It was built by the Turin city council to serve as the home for both clubs after the closure of the old stadium.

Ownership and Conflicts

Despite its modern facilities, the Stadio delle Alpi faced immediate friction due to escalating rental costs between the city council and the tenant clubs. In 1994, Juventus began investigating a club-owned stadium solution. Tensions peaked in February 2003 when violence during a match against Milan led to Torino being banned from playing Serie A games at the venue until June 2003. The conflict was resolved in June 2002 when Juventus purchased the Stadio delle Alpi from the city council for approximately €25 million.

Design Flaws and Attendance

The stadium's design attracted widespread criticism, primarily due to poor visibility caused by the athletics track separating fans from the pitch. Advertising hoardings further obstructed views from the lower tier. Located on the outskirts of Turin, the venue also exposed spectators to the elements. These factors led to attendance figures well below capacity; in 2005–06, Juventus averaged only 35,880 fans per match, and a Coppa Italia game against Sampdoria in 2001–02 drew just 237 spectators.

Demolition and Legacy

The Stadio delle Alpi was demolished starting after the clubs moved to the rebuilt Stadio Olimpico in 2006. Demolition concluded in February 2009, clearing the site for a new project. Work on the Juventus Stadium began in spring 2009, and it opened on September 8, 2011. The new stadium removed the athletics track, bringing stands closer to the pitch and covering them with a roof. Adjacent facilities included a training centre, gymnasium, restaurant, and hotel.