The origins of the iconic Stadio Tardini

Ennio Tardini, after whom the ground is named, had a strong desire for the construction of the stadium but sadly was unable to witness its completion and see the official opening on 16 September 1924 due to his passing away the year before.

One of the founding members of Parma Football Club (16 December 1913) and its President from 1921 to 1923, the humanitarian lawyer from Parma contributed to realising many other key construction projects for the city; he was a simple and stylish man and tried to avoid being in the limelight. Following a 2-0 derby win over Reggiana at the old ground on the Stradone - a city centre boulevard – on Boxing Day 1922, Tardini didn’t even take part in the ceremony to celebrate the first brick being laid as he wanted to wait for the final multi-sports complex to be in place. Including a cycling track and a gym for Gymnastics, the ground was designed to host many other sporting activities, such as cycling, athletics and rugby union. As such, it is no surprise to learn that the original name of Parma included ‘multi-sports’ in it.

For the last 40 years, it has been mainly used for football, although on some occasions it has staged other sporting events. Over time, the stadium has undergone specific changes and transformation, including the removal of the cycling track and the construction of a covered grandstand (the main ‘Petitot-Ovest’ Stand), as well as the opposite ‘Est’ Stand and the ‘Nord’ and ‘Sud’ Stands behind the goals.

Owned by the city council and run in accordance with Parma Calcio 1913, the Stadio Tardini, with a capacity of 22,352 seats, is one of the oldest and most charming stadiums in Italy.

Its appeal lies in its monumental Liberty-style entrance gate and, especially, the close proximity of the stands to the pitch and its location near the city centre. Its central urban location in Parma is a beneficial and important characteristic in the continuation of customs and traditions for the Club's supporters.

Motorway

Take the A1 motorway and exit at Parma. Follow directions for the city centre (centro città) along the SP343 and carry on onto Viale Europa. Turn left onto Viale Bottego, and then right onto Viale Mentana, going straight on until you reach the roundabout that meets via Emilia. Go straight on again onto Viale San Michele and the Stadio Tardini is in front of you on your left.

By Train

Parma’s central train station is well connected to the rest of Italy with regional and long-distance fast trains running. As the city is positioned on the via Emilia, it is also very close to three fast-train stops (Milan, Reggio Emilia and Bologna). On arrival at the station, you can take bus lines 8, 9 or 11 to reach the stadium. 

Airport

The airport is around 5 km away from the city. Outside the airport, taxis are available (the average cost is around €7 to €10). You can also use the Radiotaxi service by calling +39 0521 252562. Alternatively, you can reach the train station by taking bus line number 6. On arrival at the station, you must change and take bus lines 8, 9 or 11 to reach the stadium. 

Public Transport

From the main central areas of the city (Piazza Ghiaia, Pilotta) and the train station, you can take bus line number 9 to reach the ground. Get off at the stop named ‘Tardini’ in viale Partigiani d’Italia. You can also reach the stadium using bus lines 8 and 11, getting off at the stop in via Torelli. 

For more information on bus lines and times.

Shuttle Buses for Away Fans

As the Stadio Tardini is located centrally in a residential area of Parma, there is no dedicated private parking for motor vehicles. To guarantee the best possible way for away fans to reach the stadium easily, Parma Calcio and Parma City Council provide shuttle buses from the motorway exit to access the away stand safely and comfortably. 

Exit the A1 motorway at Parma and to your right is a large parking area named “Scambiatore Nord”, in Viale delle Esposizioni (behind the “Roadhouse” restaurant). Free shuttle buses reserved for away fans will be available on matchday. As well as being free, the service provided will take you to the stadium and bring you back to the car park following the game.