Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi is a stadium in Verona, Italy. It is the home of both Chievo Verona of Serie A and Hellas Verona of Serie B.

Related Topics:
Verona - Italy - Chievo Verona - Serie A - Hellas Verona - Serie B

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Inaugurated as a state-of-the-art facility and as one of Italy's finest venues in 1963, the stadium appeared excessive for a team (Hellas) that had spent the best part of the last 35 years in Serie B. The original capacity of 40,000 spectators was extended to 45,000 for the {{Wc|1990}}, making it Italy's 9th largest stadium. Renovations included a roof to cover all sections and improved visibility, public transport connections and services.

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The Bentegodi is still one of Italy's finest facilities, yet today both hometown teams struggle to fill the seats. The emergence of Chievo on the Serie A stage in recent years has split the city into two smaller groups of archrival fans, both very loyal to their respective cause. Today, with Chievo constantly battling to survive relegation in Serie A, and Hellas Verona playing to a lower division, after having won a scudetto in 1986, the Sunday crowds are often less than half of the stadium's capacity. The limited attendance and the presence of olympic track rings around the pitch perimeter have somewhat inhibited the fan's warmth and cheer and, as a result, the vibrant atmosphere and sell-out gatherings that characterized the Bentegodi throughout the '70s and '80s have become a distant memory.

Related Topics:
1986 - Sunday

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