Abandoned and overgrown, the Six Nations stadium in Italy which once hosted matches for Wales now lies in ruin. The Stadio Flaminio, with a capacity of 30,000, opened its doors in 1959 for the Summer Olympic Games and later became a venue for rugby matches during the Six Nations tournament after Italy joined in 2000. Despite its historical significance, the stadium was eventually abandoned in 2012 when the national team moved their games to the larger Stadio Olimpico nearby. The stadium’s decline was evident as YouTube videos showed the once vibrant pitch now overgrown with grass, a stark contrast to its former glory.
In April 2001, Wales visited the Stadio Flaminio for a Six Nations match, marking the beginning of several encounters at the stadium. The Welsh team achieved victories at the venue on multiple occasions, including a memorable win in 2001 with tries from Gareth Cooper and Scott Gibbs. However, Italy also celebrated significant victories over Wales at the stadium, creating a mixed bag of results for the Welsh team in the Italian capital. Despite its rugby history, the Stadio Flaminio also served as a temporary home for football clubs like Roma and Lazio during the 1989-1990 season.
Even though the stadium has languished in neglect in recent years, there have been efforts to revive it. In 2021, Lazio president Claudio Lotito presented a proposal to develop the Stadio Flaminio into a modern 40,000-50,000-seater stadium for the football club. The proposal included plans for a retractable roof and a complete renovation of the surrounding area. The Mayor of Rome expressed support for the project, highlighting the potential benefits it could bring to the city. Despite these promising developments, reports suggest that a rival group is vying to transform the stadium into a hub for women’s football, adding a layer of competition to the revitalisation efforts.
As discussions and proposals continue regarding the future of the Stadio Flaminio, the stadium serves as a reminder of its past glory and the potential it holds for future sporting events. From hosting Six Nations matches to iconic concerts by music legends like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Bruce Springsteen, the stadium has a rich history that stakeholders are keen to preserve and revitalise. Whether it becomes a modern football arena or a dedicated venue for women’s football, the Stadio Flaminio is poised for a potential comeback, offering a glimpse of hope amid its current state of disrepair.