The organising committee for the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy has presented plans for a 16,500-seat stadium and a 7,000-capacity arena to host competitions during the multi-sport event.
The Stadio Iacovone di Taranto has been designed by architecture firm Gau Arena, which also designed Juventus’ Allianz Stadium.
The stadium will be capable of hosting events all year-round and will feature three parking areas, commercial space, a congress centre, a sports medicine centre, office and co-working areas, a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, and a panoramic bar. The venue has been designed according to UEFA 4 international standards.
The Palazzetto di Brindisi arena will feature a training pitch and an outdoor 3×3 basketball court, along with retail space and restaurants. Plans are in place for the arena to host 100 sporting events a year, as well as other entertainment events.
According to Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, the stadium will cost €85m (£74.4m/$87.8m), with the arena to cost €18m. The stadium is set to be built on the site of the current Stadio Erasmo Iacovone.
The Taranto Mediterranean Games are expected to attract 4,000 athletes from 26 participating countries. The Games are held every four years, with Oran in Algeria hosting the 2022 edition from June 25 to July 6.
