Naples is proposing the construction of a striking 15,000-capacity arena, designed to resemble the iconic Mount Vesuvius. This versatile venue aims to be a hub for entertainment 365 days a year. For basketball games, the arena will accommodate 15,000 spectators, meeting FIBA standards and beyond. It will also be able to host up to 18,000 attendees for concerts, conferences, and various other events.
The arena is envisioned to offer a premium experience, featuring three levels, a VIP club, a lounge, and dining options with panoramic views of the court, reflecting a more Americanized approach to sports and business. The project, spearheaded by Napoli Basketball, also includes adjacent community spaces, such as offices, retail outlets, a museum, and even a hotel.
“We are in talks with the NBA and EuroLeague to take the next step,” stated Matt Rizzetta. “We are building a new arena, which should be ready in two to three years. We have just received authorization. It will be among the ten most modern arenas in Europe. Naples has between 3 and 4 million inhabitants, so if Naples were an NBA franchise, we would be in the top half in terms of potential viewership. There are 20 million Italian-Americans, meaning Americans of Italian descent, and almost all of them originate from Southern Italy and feel a connection to Naples. 15,000 people watched the NBA finals live at 3 AM. Naples is a city passionate about sports.”
Naples is actively pursuing a spot in the EuroLeague, having submitted a license application. They join other clubs, including PAOK Thessaloniki, Besiktas, Hapoel Jerusalem, Bahçeşehir, and Zenit Saint Petersburg, who are also not current members but are seeking entry.
