Mapei Stadium

The Mapei Stadium is relatively modern by Italian football’s standards, having opened in 1995. It was initially used solely by Reggiana, but Sassuolo have also called the stadium home since 2013.

The stadium isn’t spectacular in terms of design or stature; however, there is one unique element, and that is the moat that runs in between the playing area and the South Stand. While athletics tracks are relatively common, this is something we have never heard of or seen before.

As the water in the moat comes from nearby rivers, fans inside the Mapei Stadium have been known to start fishing during uneventful matches. 

Away fans are located in the Tribuna Nord (North Stand) at one end of the stadium. This stand has a capacity of 4,000, which is rather large when you consider the stadium’s overall capacity is just 21,525.

The facilities inside the stadium have been modernised over the past decade, which has made the overall fan experience far more enjoyable.

Sassuolo don’t have the largest fan base in Italy, and struggle to regularly sell out the Mapei Stadium, particularly when they are in Serie B. However, those who do turn up are often hugely passionate about their club. Some chants you can expect to hear on a visit to the stadium include:

• La squadra che tifiamo
• Sassuolo
• Vengo da te
• Il diffidato Ole
• Coro Classico Del Sassuolo
• Cuore Neroverde

Sassuolo tifo at the Mapei Stadium

Palermo tifo at the Mapei Stadium

The stadium is made up of four stands on each side of the pitch, as is standard across European football. The best views of the pitch can be found in either the West Stand or the East Stand on the two sides. 

The East Stand is more accessible than the West, due to the latter being used heavily by sponsors and VIP guests. Therefore, look to get tickets in the East Stand as close to the halfway line as possible around halfway up. 

The most passionate supporters are located in the South Stand behind one of the goals, so try to get tickets here if your main priority is the atmosphere.  

Seating plan

Sassuolo is a quaint town that sits on the banks of the River Secchia in the city of Reggio Emilia. Some of the best bars and pubs in the local area include:

• Salotto Regina – Viale XX Settembre, 31, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy
• Bar delle Vergini – Viale XX Settembre, 16, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy
• Garibaldino – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 50, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy

Inside the Mapei Stadium, fans are able to purchase light snacks and refreshments, while alcohol is also served before kick-off through to half-time. For more options, fans should check out the local vendors that gather outside the stadium on a matchday, which offer more variety, such as flatbreads and sandwiches, at lower prices. 

The stadium also sits next door to a huge shopping centre, which has plenty of fast-food restaurants inside.

Given the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna region, many fans choose to eat away from the stadium before or after watching a match at the Mapei Stadium. Some of the nicest restaurants in and around Sassuolo include:

• Leon d’Oro Tortelloneria – Via Indipendenza, 102, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy
• Due Madonne – V. Radici in Piano, 48, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy
• Dispensa Emilia Sassuolo – V. Radici in Piano, 407, 41049 Sassuolo MO, Italy

By car

Leave the A1 at exit Reggio Emilia and turn onto the roundabout that appears shortly after the toll booth. At the roundabout, take the second exit and follow the signs for Stadio until you reach the stadium. 

Satnav address: Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia 1, 42100 Reggio Emilia

By public transport

If you are coming from outside of Reggio Emilia, then you first need to get to the Reggio Emilia railway station in the city centre. From here, the stadium is around a 35-40 minute walk away, which many people elect to do. 

Alternatively, fans can take bus 5 from the railway station in the direction of Manscale Fiera and depart at Via Duo. From here, the stadium is just a short walk away, and the total journey duration is just ten minutes. 

The Mapei Stadium has a capacity of 21,525, and this has been the same since it first opened back in 1995. The stadium is made up of the following sectors:

• Tribuna Nord – 4,000
• Tribuna Sud – 5,000
• Tribuna Est – 6,573
• Tribuna Ovest – 5,137
• VIPs – 707

The Mapei Stadium was originally conceived in the early 1990s as a modern football stadium for AC Reggiana. Construction began in 1994, and the stadium, which was originally called the Stadio Giglio, officially opened on 15 April 1995 with a Serie A match between Reggiana and Juventus. 

The Mapei Group bought the stadium in 2013, which coincided with Sassuolo’s rise to Serie A. After Sassuolo moved in, the stadium underwent modernisation works. Upgrades included new seating, refurbished stands and hospitality areas, improved dressing rooms, LED pitch-side advertising, and large video screens.

Further renovations and technological enhancements have continued into recent years. Between 2014 and the late 2010s, lighting systems were upgraded to meet higher Serie A and UEFA broadcasting standards, while in 2019, new media facilities, digital turnstiles, and improved press areas were introduced.

Record attendance

• 21,525 (Reggiana vs Juventus, 1995)

Average attendances (Sassuolo)

• 5,569 (Serie B)
• 14,578 (Serie A)
• 13,551 (Serie A

• Modena
• Bologna
• Reggiano