Bologna –
Statements by Giuseppe Sermasi, CEO of Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna:
“I have been in Virtus since 2017, I have lived through the whole reconstruction. The arena will start by the end of April, with the demolition of Pavilion 35. The Fair has November 2026 as its completion deadline, because in addition to Virtus, the Arena will be used for EIMA and the Davis Cup. In November this year it will be done in our temporary arena, which will be increased by 600 seats. So in November there will be changes that will allow us the capacity. Davis Cup has signed a three-year contract with Fiera; it is a strategic investment for them and for Virtus, which with an arena of this size becomes attractive internationally. Between Virtus and Fiera there is already a contract, we will try to complete the operation on time.
Calzolari mentioned the end of 2027? It is for the overall completion of the works. The arena space by contractual commitments must be delivered by November 2026. It is an investment, not a cost. The nominal number of seats is 11500, we hope to increase it to 12000. And there will be training and youth sector facilities, bars and restaurants.”
