Spezia Calcio, currently in the 17th place in the Serie A table, has been expanding and upgrading their facility since September 2021. The progress of the work can be seen with the naked eye and should finish according to the approved schedule.

Stadio Alberto Picco’s redevelopment project is progressing gradually. For the last few months, the investment has been focused on the renovation of Curva Piscina. Taking advantage of FIFA World Cup break, the pours for the corner were made and then the metal supports were installed with transoms and treads on top. At the very end, two types of seats were installed - black and white for the home team fans and grey for the visiting team supporters.

Of course, this is just a small part of the work spread over nearly three years. Alongside the enlargement of Curva Piscina at the same time work to extend the technical facilities of Distinti Stand was underway. Apart from the new toilets, a new passageway was created for use by visitors' fans. From now on, they can leave the arena without coming into contact with local fans. This will also reduce the time spent waiting for permission from the security services to leave the stadium after the game.

© Nuovo Stadio dello Spezia

The renovation of Stadio Alberto Picco is one of the goals of club owner Robert Platek. The New York-based American investor and his family acquired a controlling stake in Spezia Calcio in February 2021 from Italian entrepreneur Gabriele Volpi. Platek announced from the start that upgrading the facility was one of his main goals, as a modern arena allows to aim higher than before. For the team from Liguria, playing in the European cups would certainly be such a success. For now, “Aquilotti” must fight hard to stay in Serie A.

Once completed, the stadium will have a minimum capacity of 12,000 seats. In addition, modern technical facilities will be provided, including sky boxes, field boxes (special premium sectors for regular fans, which are mainly known from baseball venues), as well as retail and media infrastructure. The project is largely based precisely on the fact that Stadio Alberto Picco will receive hospitality zones that it has not had before. Such solutions mean that the arena will meet all current standards.

© Nuovo Stadio dello Spezia

In 2023, work will focus mostly on the renovation of the main stand. The timetable foresees that within the next few months, all the seating in the Distinti section will also be replaced and new toilets will be built in Curva Ferrovia. The final phase of investment will be centred around this part of the stadium. In 2024, it will gain a roof, which it has not had before. Everything is being carried out according to the design of GAU Arena architectural studio owned by Gino Zavanelli. The strongest item in this firm's portfolio is the impressive Allianz Stadium which is the home of Juventus.

The project is estimated to be worth around €12.5 million. In October 2022, Spezia authorities announced that it had put in place an economic and financial plan and a feasibility study to allow the investment to continue successively. As a result, fans can be assured that by 2024 at the latest, the facility used by their team will become modern, fully safe, and will meet the needs of the local community.

© Nuovo Stadio dello Spezia