Stadio Porta Elisa (Porta Elisa Stadium), Lucca

Porta Elisa Stadium (Stadio Porta Elisa) is a historic multi-use stadium in Lucca, primarily serving as the home ground for A.S. Lucchese-Libertas. The stadium, inaugurated on January 20, 1935, during a match between U.S. Lucchese Libertas and Pro Patria et Libertate U.S.B. (which ended 2-0 in favor of the Rossoneri), has hosted the club’s home games uninterrupted since its opening.

Named after Porta Elisa, a gate on the eastern side of Lucca’s historic walls, the stadium was built with a football-centric design, featuring four distinct stands. The south stand, which is the only covered section, exhibits an interesting modernist architectural style. A distinguishing feature of the stadium is the ditch separating the stands from the pitch, a remnant of its original design that once included an athletics track. The facility was upgraded with floodlights in 1970, and further modifications in the 1990s saw the construction of the current stands behind the goals and the addition of lower rows to the south stand.

Porta Elisa Stadium, historically significant but largely unchanged, is set for redevelopment under 2021 plans. The pitch will move 8 meters closer to the south stand, while the east, north, and west stands will be replaced with new covered structures connected at the corners. Floodlight masts will be replaced with integrated canopy lighting.

Beyond football, the project envisions a multifunctional stadium, integrating underground parking, office spaces, a museum, and a library, ensuring year-round use. A wide promenade will top the new stands, and green areas surrounding the facility will echo Lucca’s city walls, which are similarly enveloped by lush landscapes. Upon completion, the stadium’s capacity will be expanded to accommodate 12,000 spectators, ensuring its continued role as a vibrant sporting and cultural venue in Lucca.