A 55,000-capacity stadium project could be canceled after residents protested about the environment.
A curious reason may prevent the construction of Roma’s new stadium in the Italian capital. The project aims to build an arena for 55,000 fans in the Pietralata neighborhood, but citizens are mobilizing to raise awareness about environmental issues.
A residents’ committee claims that the area chosen for the stadium is a protected natural habitat for several animal species, such as bats and some birds. Although Roma’s project includes the construction of 9 hectares of green space, residents believe that clearing the land for the construction could cause serious environmental damage to the capital.
Roma, which currently shares the Stadio Olimpico with rivals Lazio, plans to open the new stadium in 2028. The arena is expected to seat 55,000 spectators, with the possibility of expanding to 62,000.
“This is an act of environmental protection that, given the lies committed so far by the Municipality of Rome, would provide clear and unequivocal responses. We trust that the Municipality will not oppose this measure, given the undeniable importance of environmental protection, at least according to the statements of various municipal councilors. We are ready to denounce and demand compensation from anyone who damages Pietralata’s last green lung, whose protection we will pursue at all levels and instances,” the residents’ committee announced.
The group commissioned a study from the Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystem Research and submitted it to the Italian courts. This Wednesday (July 16th), a court hearing will evaluate the potential objection to the stadium project.
