Remember the name Paolo Borsellino. It echoes through the history of this stadium. This is the Velodromo Paolo Borsellino in Palermo. It is more than just a sports venue. It stands as a testament to resilience.
Construction began in 1989. Funds allocated for the 1990 World Cup made it possible. The project was completed in two years. It cost 17 billion lire. Initially, it was named San Gabriele. This name came from the land it occupied. The land once belonged to a Mafia family. It had been confiscated.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino was inaugurated on February 2, 1991. A thrilling event marked the occasion. German cyclist Michael Hübner faced Italian star Claudio Golinelli.
For two years, the stadium fell into neglect. It was revived for the 1994 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. These championships took place between August 15 and 20. Shortly before the event, on May 30, the stadium was renamed. It honored Paolo Borsellino. He was a judge who fought the Mafia. He was also an avid cyclist.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino hosted another major event in 1997. It was the XIX Universiade. The stadium hosted qualifying matches for the football tournament.
Over the years, local sports teams used the Velodromo Paolo Borsellino. Rugby, American football, and minor league soccer teams played here. Charity games and concerts also took place here. The “Mediterraneo Antirazzista” tournaments were held here too.
Maurizio Zamparini, former president of Palermo soccer club, once considered building a new stadium on this site.
In the summer of 2023, the Velodromo Paolo Borsellino reopened for concerts. Rapper Lazza and singer Claudio Baglioni performed. After further renovations, the stadium reopened in April. It hosted a football game between Eagles United Palermo and Briganti Napoli.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino covers approximately 30,000 square meters. The open-air concrete track is 400 meters long. The playing field is grass. The stands have about 12,000 seats. They run along the field’s long sides. The main grandstand has a wooden arch roof. Press boxes are located here. Behind the grandstand is a building. It houses offices for Palermo’s sports department. On the opposite side is an uncovered terrace. Behind it are the parking lot and ticket office. Since 2006, a photovoltaic system partially powers the stadium. It generates 20 kWp. It is installed on the office building’s roof.
The stadium is located on the former San Gabriele estate. It is near the San Filippo Neri district. This area is also known as ZEN. It is about 6 km from Mondello beach. It is 1.5 km from Viale Strasburgo. The stadium is easily accessible from the highways. Take the “Tommaso Natale-Mondello” exit.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino is multifunctional. It has a weight room for athletes. It also has offices. Although designed for international cycling events, it hasn’t been used much for high-level cycling. The Cycling Federation ran youth programs here. However, these programs stopped due to theft and vandalism.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino hosted local rugby teams. It also hosted youth matches. International events took place here. These include a match between Italy and Wales youth teams. Also the Rugby sevens tournament at the 2011 Island Games.
Palermo’s American football teams have played here. The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino hosted the first American football World Cup in 1999. Japan won. Championship finals have been played here.
Some minor league soccer teams have used the stadium. The Palermo soccer team played here during the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons. The Fincantieri Calcio team played here in 2003-2004. Since 2024, Athletic Club Palermo has been training here.
Since 2008, the “Mediterraneo Antirazzista” event has been held here. It promotes social integration through sports. Tournaments include volleyball, basketball, soccer, cricket, and rugby. Hundreds of young people and adults participate.
The Velodromo Paolo Borsellino is more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of Palermo’s spirit. It is a place of sport, music, and community. It honors a hero. It stands for hope and resilience.