Can you imagine a sports venue morphing into a sought-after event space? That’s the story of the Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo. It stands here in Milan.
Welcome to the Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo. This building has seen a fascinating transformation. Originally, it was a sferisterio. It hosted Jai Alai games. Now known as La Pelota Jai Alai, it serves as a versatile event location.
Let’s dive into its history. The Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo was built in 1945. It opened in 1947. A Milanese entrepreneur named Del Pozzo wanted it. It replaced the old Kursaal Diana which had been there since 1907.
For decades, the Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo was the place to watch palla basca. This Basque sport involves hurling a hard rubber ball against a wall. The ball called a pelota could reach speeds of 300 kilometers per hour. It was exciting but dangerous. Spectators were protected by nets. Players wore helmets.
In 1976, Salvatore Laino bought the sferisterio. He brought in top players. Arrata Zubiza and others played here. The Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo became a hotspot. Crowds grew to 800 on weeknights and 1200 on weekends. Betting added to the excitement.
However, by the 1990s, the Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo faced decline. Laino closed it in 1997. The players even opened a restaurant. From 1998 to 2001, the building was renovated. Marina Nova designed the interior.
In 2001, the Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo reopened. It became an event space. Its central location near Milan’s fashion district made it popular. It has hosted Milan Fashion Week events. La Gazzetta dello Sport celebrated its centennial here.
The playing field was large at 48.4 by 14.9 meters. The sferisterio could seat 1,200 people. Today the space is divided into three areas. There is the main playing field. Then there is a foyer. Finally, there is a backstage area.
Luciano Bianciardi, a writer, frequented the sferisterio. It even appeared in the film “La vita agra” with Ugo Tognazzi.
If you look closely, you can still see remnants of its past. The architecture remains. The betting counter is now a bar. The mosaic tiles still adorn the walls. The Ex Sferisterio di Via Palermo stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It is a place where sport and culture meet.