Stadio Luigi Ferraris
Stadio Luigi Ferraris is the home of Genovese clubs Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria. The stadium has a capacity of 36,599 seats.
In 1910 Genoa socio Musso Piantelli came up with the idea to use the ground inside a racecourse for a football pitch. His proposal got accepted and the new stadium opened on the 22nd of January 1911.
Originally the stadium only consisted of one wooden stand, but it quickly got expanded in the 1920s and 30s to a capacity of about 30,000 places.
In 1933 the stadium got renamed to Stadio Luigi Ferraris, after the former captain of Genoa who had died in the first World War. One year later the stadium hosted the round of 16 match between Spain and Brazil (3-1) at the 1934 World Cup.
After Sampdoria got founded in 1946, the club requested to share the Luigi Ferraris with Genoa, which was accepted by the latter. In the following decades the stadium got gradually expanded to a maximum capacity of about 55,700 in the 1980s.
Stadio Luigi Ferraris got almost completely rebuilt for the 1990 World Cup. Construction of the characteristic new stadium, designed by architect Vittoria Gregotti, started in 1987 and was completed in 1989. Works were performed gradually as to allow Genoa and Sampdoria to keep playing at the stadium.
During the World Cup three group matches and the round of 16 match between the Republic of Ireland and Romania (0-0) were played at the stadium.
In the last decade only minor renovations have been made to the stadium. Over the years Genoa and Sampdoria have looked into majorly renovating the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and in particular Sampdoria has investigated a move to a new stadium, however at this time no concrete plans exist.
Getting there
Stadio Luigi Ferraris lies towards the north of the city, in the dense urban Marassi area, along the Bisagno river (bed).
The stadium lies only 1.5 kilometres from Genova’s historic city centre, but the walk is mostly uphill and can be tiring. From metro station San Giorgio one can catch bus 12, or 13 in the direction of Prato. Get off at stop Bobbio5/Stadio. From metro De Ferrari take bus 14, also in the direction of Prato.
The stadium lies at walking distance from Genova Brignole train station, which is mainly served by regional trains. Follow the Bisagno river inland for about a kilometre. Alternatively take either bus 480 or 482 in the direction of S. Eusebio. It’s just a 7-minute ride to stop Marassi/Stadio.
Genova Principe train station, where the long-distance trains arrive, lies further away, about 3.5 kilometres from the stadium. It’s quickest to take a train to Brignole, and walk or take a bus from there.
On matchdays special services run from Caricamento (CM), Piazzale Kennedy (KM and 47), and Principe train station (SM).
If arriving by car, take exit Genova Est from the A12. Follow directions to the city, and later on the signs to the stadium.
Address: Via Giovanni De Prà 1, 16139 Genova
Tickets
Tickets for Genoa matches can be bought online via Listicket or Viagogo, or via one of the Lottomatica sales points.
Ticket prices range from €25.00 for the short ends to between €40.00 and €150.00 for the long ends.
Tickets for Sampdoria matches can be purchased via Listicket, in person at Federclubs at the Via Casata Centuriona 18 (near the stadium), or at the Sampdoria points at the Via Cesarea 107-109 (city centre) or Via Biancheri 25 (western Genova).
On the day of the match the ticket counters at the stadium remain closed.
Tickets for one of the short ends cost €10.00, whereas those for the long ends range in price from €15.00 to €60.00.
For more information email tifosi@sampdoria.it or biglietteria@sampdoria.it.
Both Genoa and Sampdoria sell out very few matches.
Relevant Internet links:
Genoacfc.it – Official website of Genoa CFC.
Sampdoria.it – Official website of UC Sampdoria.
Genova-turismo.it – Genova tourist information.
AMT.Genova.it – Genova public transport information.
Trenitalia.com – Check train times and fares.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
