“Step right up. I’ve got a game today!” That’s the kind of shout you might have heard back in 1920 near Stadio Dossenina. Today we explore the Stadio Comunale Dossenina in Lodi. This stadium has been the home of Fanfulla since its opening. The Stadio Dossenina carries a story within its walls. It whispers tales of a bygone era of football.
Originally, the stadium land was purchased for 100,000 lire. The land measured 15,000 square meters. It sat near the Dossenina farm along what is now Viale Pavia. The Stadio Dossenina officially opened on October 3, 1920. Fanfulla played Crema in an exhibition match. Unfortunately, bad weather stopped the game early with the score at 0-0.
Just a year later, in September 1921, the Società Anonima Stadio Fanfulla formed. Its initial capital was 75,000 lire. The group built a wooden grandstand with 500 seats. They also added a caretaker’s chalet. There was even an athletics track and a tennis court planned. The Stadio Dossenina was designed primarily for football like English stadiums. It lacked a running track.
Over the years, Stadio Dossenina’s capacity has changed. The original capacity was 7,500. Safety concerns reduced it to 2,184 seats today. Improvement projects have been undertaken. In 2019, a project was approved to upgrade the Stadio Dossenina. The focus was on bringing the stadium up to code. Work included redoing the locker room roof and updating facilities. They also planned to upgrade the heating system to meet fire safety standards.
Imagine the roar of the crowd back in Fanfulla’s glory days. The Stadio Dossenina has seen it all. Though renovated over the years, the Stadio Dossenina maintains its original charm. Its pitch measures 110 meters by 68 meters. The surface is natural grass. The owner of Stadio Dossenina is the Comune di Lodi.
The Stadio Dossenina is more than just a sports venue. It represents Lodi’s sporting heritage. It is a place where memories have been created for over a century. As we conclude our visit, remember the Stadio Dossenina. Think of the cheers, the history, and the enduring spirit of Fanfulla. The Stadio Dossenina stands as a testament to the love of football.