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The home of Udinese is preparing for another phase of transformation, as plans emerge to further redevelop the Bluenergy Stadium in a bid to tackle sustainability and environmental challenges surrounding modern football venues.
Opened in 1976 and once used during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the 25,000-capacity stadium has long been considered one of Italy’s most progressive football grounds.
Yet club officials believe more must be done to reduce the environmental footprint of the venue and improve how supporters travel to and from the ground.
Sustainability at the heart of Udinese stadium redevelopment
The latest redevelopment work is centred on making the stadium even more environmentally sustainable. One of the flagship initiatives involves the installation of a large solar array on the stadium roof, with more than 2,400 panels generating renewable electricity for the venue.
The system produces roughly 3,000 kilowatt hours of energy per day and supplies a significant portion of the stadium’s power needs.
These upgrades form part of a wider ambition from the club to push towards carbon neutrality and reduce the environmental impact of matchdays. Udinese executives have already begun using UEFA’s carbon-footprint monitoring tools to analyse emissions and identify areas where improvements can be made.
Speaking about the project with TalkSport at the club's international media days event on potential redevelopment, chief commercial officer Magda Pozzo revealed that the club are using UEFA Carbon Footprint Calculator
“It gives us an idea of where we stand, which is very important to know your limits as well in what you are doing,” Pozzo said.
“So looking at that, I think of course all the teams that are very fond of sustainability or their cultural sustainability, the objective would be to be carbon, totally carbon free. But it's impossible.”
Addressing mobility and the club’s geographic challenge
Another major focus of the redevelopment involves improving mobility and transport around the stadium. Udine’s location in northeastern Italy, close to both Slovenia and Austria, has long created logistical challenges for supporters and teams travelling to the venue.
Club officials believe encouraging sustainable travel options such as shared transport and cycling will be crucial in reducing matchday emissions while making the stadium more accessible.
Pozzo explained that mobility is “quite an issue” for the club due to its geographical position and the distance from many other Serie A cities, meaning infrastructure improvements and cooperation with local authorities will be required.
FGG Says
While many clubs focus redevelopment purely on capacity or hospitality upgrades, Udinese’s approach highlights a growing trend of sustainability-driven stadium development in football.
By investing in renewable energy, improving transport options and expanding community use, the Bluenergy Stadium is positioning itself as a model for how older venues can adapt to modern environmental expectations without losing their identity.