Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani: A Century of Passion, Pride, and Footballing Heritage in Pisa

From its historic roots to its modern-day glory, Arena Garibaldi stands as a symbol of Pisa’s footballing soul, uniting generations of fans in a fortress of passion and tradition.

In the heart of Pisa, a city renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower and rich cultural heritage, lies a stadium that embodies the spirit of its people: the Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani, commonly known as Arena Garibaldi or, for sponsorship reasons, Cetilar Arena. Since its inauguration in 1919, this historic venue has been the beating heart of Pisa’s footballing culture, serving as the home ground of Pisa Sporting Club, one of Tuscany’s most beloved teams. With a current capacity of 14,869 (reduced from its official 25,000 due to safety regulations), the stadium remains a cornerstone of the city’s sporting identity, blending tradition with modernity to create an unforgettable matchday experience.

A Century of History: From Humble Beginnings to Footballing Glory

Arena Garibaldi’s story began in 1919, when it was first opened as a multi-purpose venue. Over the decades, it evolved into the primary home of Pisa Sporting Club, witnessing the team’s rise through the ranks of Italian football. Modest facilities and a simple design marked the stadium’s early years, but its significance grew alongside the club’s successes.

A defining moment in the stadium’s history came in 2001 when it was renamed Stadio Romeo Anconetani in honour of the club’s legendary former president. Anconetani, who led Pisa during its golden era in the 1980s, oversaw the team’s rise to Serie A and their participation in European competitions, including the Mitropa Cup, which Pisa won twice (1985 and 1988). His leadership left an indelible mark on the club, and the renaming of the stadium was a fitting tribute to his legacy.

In 2024, the stadium entered a new chapter, renaming as Cetilar Arena, following a sponsorship agreement for the 2024–25 Serie B season. This marked the first time the venue carried a commercial name, reflecting the growing influence of corporate partnerships in Italian football while preserving its historic identity.

Architectural Charm: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Arena Garibaldi’s design is a testament to its rich history and enduring appeal. Unlike many modern stadiums, it offers an intimate and immersive experience, with stands positioned close to the pitch, ensuring fans feel every moment of the action. The stadium consists of four distinct stands:

The Main Grandstand: Equipped with modern amenities, including seating for VIPs, club officials, and the press.
The Curva Nord: The heart of the stadium’s atmosphere, where Pisa’s most passionate ultras gather to create an electrifying matchday environment.
The Curva Sud and Distinti Stands: Additional seating areas that ensure a balanced distribution of fans, contributing to the stadium’s vibrant energy.

One of the stadium’s most unique features is its integration into Pisa’s urban landscape. Located near the city’s historic centre, Arena Garibaldi allows fans to experience the charm of Pisa before and after matches, with the iconic Leaning Tower just a short walk away. This proximity to the city’s cultural landmarks adds to the stadium’s allure, making it a must-visit destination for football enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations to meet modern standards, including improvements to seating, pitch quality, and floodlighting. However, these updates have been carefully implemented to preserve the venue’s historic character, ensuring that Arena Garibaldi remains a fortress of tradition and passion.

The Heartbeat of Pisa: Atmosphere and Fan Experience

Arena Garibaldi is renowned for its electric atmosphere, particularly on matchdays when Pisa Sporting Club takes the field. The stadium’s compact design and proximity of the stands to the pitch create an intense and immersive experience, allowing fans to feel every tackle, pass, and goal. The noise levels can be deafening, especially during key matches, as the loyal supporters chant in unison, waving banners and flags that fill the stadium with the club’s colors.

The Curva Nord is the epicentre of the stadium’s atmosphere, where Pisa’s ultras orchestrate chants, display impressive tifos, and ensure that the team feels their unwavering support. This passion spreads throughout the stadium, creating a unity among fans that makes Arena Garibaldi a formidable fortress for the home side. The intensity peaks during crucial league games, local derbies, or promotion battles, where the energy in the stands reaches another level.

The fan experience extends beyond the 90 minutes of play, as matchdays in Pisa are deeply connected to the city’s culture and traditions. Before games, supporters often gather in local cafés, bars, and restaurants near the stadium, enjoying the pre-match build-up in a way that reflects the Italian football experience. The stadium’s central location allows fans to blend football with sightseeing, making Arena Garibaldi a unique destination for both locals and visitors.

Unforgettable Moments: A Stage for Footballing Drama

Arena Garibaldi has been the backdrop for countless historic moments in Pisa Sporting Club’s history. From dramatic promotions to thrilling encounters, the stadium has witnessed the highs and lows of the club’s journey, leaving an indelible mark on fans.

One of the most memorable periods came during the 1980s under Romeo Anconetani’s leadership, when Pisa secured promotion to Serie A and competed against Italian giants like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. The stadium was packed with passionate fans as Pisa made their mark in the top flight, creating unforgettable atmospheres that remain etched in the memories of supporters.

The stadium has also been the site of numerous promotion battles, including the dramatic playoff victory in 2007 that secured Pisa’s return to Serie B. More recently, in 2019, another thrilling promotion was sealed at Arena Garibaldi when Pisa triumphed in the Serie C playoffs, sparking euphoric celebrations among fans.

Beyond club football, the stadium has hosted international fixtures, including matches involving Italy’s youth teams, allowing fans to witness future stars in action. These events have showcased the stadium’s ability to generate a passionate atmosphere, further cementing its status as a key venue in Italian football.

Records and Legacy: A Symbol of Pisa’s Footballing Soul

Arena Garibaldi holds a unique place in Italian football history, not just as the home of Pisa Sporting Club but as a venue that has witnessed remarkable records and unforgettable achievements. During the club’s golden era in the 1980s, the stadium became a fortress, with Pisa achieving notable victories over some of Italy’s biggest clubs. These triumphs highlighted the team’s resilience and made Arena Garibaldi a feared destination for visiting sides.

The stadium has also been graced by legendary players, including Dutch striker Wim Kieft, who played a crucial role in Pisa’s Serie A campaigns, and future stars like Diego Simeone and Dunga, who went on to become icons in world football. Their time at Pisa added prestige to the club and demonstrated the stadium’s role in developing top-tier talent.

The legacy of Arena Garibaldi is deeply intertwined with the identity of Pisa Sporting Club. It is more than just a football ground—it is a symbol of tradition, resilience, and the unwavering support of the fans. Despite modernization efforts and capacity restrictions, the stadium has retained its historic charm and remains one of Italy’s most atmospheric football venues.

Conclusion: A Living Monument to Pisa’s Passion

Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani is more than just a stadium—it is a living monument to Pisa’s footballing soul. From its historic roots to its modern-day glory, the venue has been the stage for countless moments of triumph, heartbreak, and passion. Its intimate design, electric atmosphere, and deep connection to the city’s culture make it one of the most unique and unforgettable football stadiums in Italy.

As Pisa Sporting Club continues its journey, Arena Garibaldi remains at the heart of the club’s ambitions, a place where history is made, records are broken, and memories are created. Its rich heritage and passionate fanbase ensure that its legacy will endure for generations to come, standing as a proud symbol of Pisa’s enduring love for the beautiful game.