Location Syracuse, Sicily Field size 100 x 68 m Built 1930 Opened 1932 Province Province of Syracuse | Operator City of Syracuse Surface Grass Address 96100 Syracuse, Italy Capacity 5,946 Architect Raffaele Leone | |
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Full name Stadio Comunale Nicola de Simone Similar Altar of Hieron, Amphithéâtre de Syracuse, Parc01, Euríalo, Ipogeo Di Piazza Duomo | ||
Stadio Nicola de Simone (commonly known as La Fossa dei Leoni) is a football stadium in Syracuse, Sicily. It is currently home of Siracusa football team. The stadium was built in 1930 and was inaugurated in 1932. The stadium is named after Nicola de Simone, an Siracusa player who died in 1979 in a game against Palma Campania. The stadium is located in the center of Siracusa's historic district, near the Basilica of Santa Lucia and the Shrine of Our Lady of Tears.
History
Stadio Nicola de Simone was originally built in 1930, during the years of fascism in Italy, as can be seen in symbols which are still visible in the stadium's entrance hall. Its original capacity was around 8,000 spectators. The size was later brought down to its current capacity after numerous anti-violence laws were passed in Sicily, despite that after being moved up to Serie C, the stadium should have supported around 12,000 spectators.
During the season of 1994–95, a fence was built between the field and the spectators, which further limited the stadium's attendance.
The stadium underwent minor renovations to its locker rooms and stands in 2001, which included the installation of a water system and of blue seats (to match Siracusa's colors) in the grandstand. During this renovation, the stadium also added a west curve of seats, which brought the capacity back up to its current number.
In 2006, the stadium underwent further minor renovations, including the installation of lights, the installation of a sound system, and the installation of new grass. Along with the renovation, a synthetic turf field was built nearby for practices and the youth squad, named after former Siracusa manager Paul Quattropani.
In 2007, the grandstand was named after former Siracusa striker Corrado Siringo, who died in a car accident that year.
In December 2008, the shelter over the grandstand was demolished.