Italy: Stadio Arechi redevelopment. Green light in shadow of boycott
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Jakub Ducki
The Regional Sports Agency of the Universiade of Naples has concluded a framework agreement with a contractor for the redevelopment of Arechi Stadium and Volpe pitch. The announcement of this decision coincided with a protest by ultras who are demanding the departure of the club's owner.
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Costly but necessary changes
The redevelopment of Stadio Arechi, where the Salernitana team plays its matches, has been given the green light to go ahead. The Regional Sports Agency of the Universiade (ARUS) in Naples has signed a framework agreement with the contractor, which covers a wide range of construction, architectural works and supplies related to the renovation of the stadium and the nearby Volpe pitch. The Volpe pitch will temporarily serve as the venue for Salernitana's matches while the works are ongoing. The contract provides for a maximum completion period of four years, which will allow the work to be carried out with attention to detail, without undue haste. The total investment amounts to more than €100 million.
The modernisation of Arechi Stadium includes a wide range of works. A key element will be the installation of a new roof, which will be fitted with photovoltaic panels to generate electricity for the stadium. In addition, the stadium will get a new facade and modern hospitality areas. There are also plans to refresh the stands and corner terraces and build new skyboxes. A grandstand that meets current safety requirements will be built for guest supporters, and a museum dedicated to the history of Salernitana will be created for I Granata
fans.
The deadline for interested companies to submit bids is 30 September, which means that work could start soon after the contractor is selected.
Ultras protest: “Stadium empty until Iervolino leaves Salernitana”
A group of ultras from the Curva Sud Siberiano, during the Salernitana - Spezia match, displayed a long banner in front of the stadium expressing their stance against the club's owner, Danilo Iervolino. The protest is an expression of the discontent of the fans, who feel cheated by the current club management.
In a statement accompanying the banner, the fans accuse Iervolino of inconsistency and of failing to fulfil his promises regarding the club's future. The path is mapped out: the decision to challenge this person stems from the unspoken and unjustified attitude of someone who presented himself as an innovator, ready to open a winning cycle. The ABSOLUTE FAILURE of a project that was never born is evident for all to see
reads their statement.
The Ultras make it clear that their protest will continue until Danilo Iervolino steps down as owner of the club. However, they emphasise that their actions are not against the team, the new coach or the sporting director, stressing that they will continue to support the players who proudly represent the colours of Salernitana. We have been called to support the jersey and we will continue to do so, as we always have
they declare.
As part of their protest, the fans intend to stop displaying banners, flags and banners in the stadium as a sign of their disapproval of the club's current management. They are also calling on other fans to join in this form of protest.
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