What if these walls could talk? The PalaDesio has witnessed sporting triumphs, artistic performances and community gatherings since 1992.
The PalaDesio, officially the Palazzetto dello Sport di Desio is a multi-purpose arena. It stands in Desio, Lombardy. People also know it as PalaFitlineDesio due to sponsorship. This arena has a rich history and continues to be a vital part of the community.
Construction of the PalaDesio took only 18 months. It cost around 6 million lire. The arena opened on March 12, 1992. It was initially home to Aurora Desio. This basketball club played in Serie A2 and previously in the first division. Aurora Desio’s time at the arena was short lived. The club disappeared after the 1993–94 season. It sold its sporting rights after winning Serie A2.
The Desio municipality struggled to fill the void left by Aurora’s demise. Women’s basketball and volleyball clubs used the arena. The Harlem Globetrotters and various artists also visited. Despite these events, the PalaDesio remained unprofitable. Upkeep costs ranged from 120000 to 250000 euros per year. The municipality attempted to involve private event managing companies. An attempt to sell the arena in 2003 also failed.
Pallacanestro Cantù, a neighbouring basketball club, found a temporary home here. They used the PalaDesio for the 2011–12 Euroleague season. Their usual venue didn’t meet Euroleague standards. The PalaDesio underwent a 130000 euro refurbishment in the summer of 2011. These changes ensured it met Euroleague standards. The PalaDesio hosted the Euroleague qualifying rounds in 2012–13. Cantù continued to play their Euroleague games here. They also played domestic Serie A games in Desio.
Olimpia Milano has also played games at the PalaDesio. This occurred when their Mediolanum Forum was unavailable. Power Volley Milano used the arena for the 2014–15 season. Later, they moved to Castellanza’s PalaBorsani.
In January 2015, Banco Desio renewed its sponsorship. The arena became the PalaBancoDesio again. It hosted the 2015 Italian Basketball Cup.
The PalaDesio has been a hub for gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics club San Giorgio ’79 has been here since the early 2000s. The Italian national rhythmic gymnastics team made it their base from 2003. A dispute arose between San Giorgio and the municipality in 2012. It concerned the management of the arena. The town projected a new gym to house the gymnasts.
The PalaDesio hosted the 2014 finals of the Italian artistic gymnastics championships. The event broke the national attendance record for the sport. The arena regularly hosts international rhythmic gymnastics meetings too.
The PalaDesio is a circular arena. It covers 20000 square metres. It is 25 metres high. A dome with a diameter of 78 metres covers it. The arena has a basic capacity of 6700 seats. This can be expanded to 8000. The arena consists of three layers. These are the court-side, first ring and second ring.
The neighbouring municipality of Monza admired the PalaDesio. They requested the building plans to copy for their own arena.
From basketball to gymnastics and beyond, the PalaDesio stands as a testament to Desio’s commitment to sports, culture, and community. Its walls echo with the cheers of fans. They resonate with the dedication of athletes and the energy of performers. As we move on, remember the PalaDesio. It is a place where memories are made and dreams take flight.