Stadio Ennio Tardini – design description

How did the concept of redeveloping Stadio Ennio Tardini come about?

Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini was completed in 1924, and the facility underwent a significant expansion following the club's historic promotion to Serie A in 1990. The 1990s were the most successful period in the team's history, with them even reaching triumphs in European cup competitions. In 2015, however, the club faced bankruptcy and was reconstituted in Serie D, but quickly gained further promotions and already returned to Serie A in 2018.

In 2020, 90% share in the club was taken over by the Krause Group, with Kyle Krause as the new president. The American has set improving the infrastructure as one of his main goals. In early 2021, architects from Studio Zoppini were engaged to prepare a concept for the modernisation of Stadio Ennio Tardini.

What were the previous attempts to modernise Stadio Ennio Tardini?

This was not the first attempt to improve the situation (Parma's stadium had been in disrepair for some time and did not meet UEFA standards). A plan to modernise Stadio Ennio Tardini was put forward on the occasion of Italy's unsuccessful bid to host Euro 2016, and there was later talk of a €200 million redevelopment combined with the creation of a shopping and entertainment centre next to the stadium. There were also ideas of building the stadium in a different location, or the more pragmatic idea of just roofing the stands behind the goals.

When was the initial vision for the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini presented?

The initial concept for the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini can be viewed on a separate subpage

On April 6, 2021, a preliminary concept for the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini prepared by Studio Zoppini was presented. The concept included very interesting elements, such as a steel façade composed of cubes covered with decorative rust, or a roof that gives the impression of levitating above the facility, with a reflective strip on the underside, along the outer edges.

The investment was to be carried out with private funding and was favoured by the local authorities. In early 2022, the city council gave a positive review of the project. However, the plan had its opponents, who even organised a bicycle rally in protest against its implementation. Opponents of the modernisation also put forward an alternative concept of building a new stadium in a different location.

The club, however, continued to work on Stadio Ennio Tardini redevelopment project, whose upgrade offered the privilege of remaining in the city centre, although it was linked to space constraints and possible access problems.

When was the final vision for the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini shown?

On September 12, 2023, an updated, final vision for the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini was presented. The plan calls for the complete reconstruction of the stands, which are expected to hold 20,986 spectators, slightly less than before. According to initial assumptions, the work would take place between 2024 and 2026 and would cost €138 million. The redeveloped stadium is expected to help Parma return to the Italian football elite.

What is the concept behind the redevelopment of Stadio Ennio Tardini?

Due to space constraints, the outer contour of the stadium will be an irregular octagon, with strongly 'cutted' corners. The stands will be fully covered and the roof will feature photovoltaic panels, which, combined with the use of eco-friendly materials, is expected to help achieve zero carbon emissions.

As the previously proposed façade, while intriguing, also had its drawbacks (the potential for bird nesting or cleaning problems, among other things, were pointed out), it was decided to go for a simpler form with aluminium panels, which also gives greater control over noise ingress. The removal of the existing fllodlighting masts in favour of spotlights in the canopy will also be important.

The facility is expected to offer greater commercial opportunities and also attract visitors outside match days. Plans include the opening of an official Parma Store and a club museum. Access to the stadium will also be made easier for people with disabilities.

Due to the redevelopment, it will be necessary to temporarily move Parma Calcio to another venue. Stadiums in Reggio Emilia, Ferrara, Bologna or Modena are under consideration, as well as the possibility of building a temporary stadium.