
5,000 spectators
2008
Via Sergio Lanfranchi, Cortile San Martino, Complesso Sportivo Moletolo, 43100 Parma, Italy
Parma, Italy
Grass
Multi-Sport Venue
Rugby Union
Stadium
Compact rectangular rugby-specific ground — covered side stands with open standing Curva sections at the ends
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi is a compact, modern rugby-specific ground completed in 2008 and renovated in 2013-14 to expand capacity from 3,600 to 5,000. The stadium features covered side stands (Distinti and Tribuna Centrale), standing Curva sections at either end, and modern hospitality facilities including the Sala VIP. The natural grass playing surface is well-suited to the Emilia-Romagna climate. The stadium is part of the wider Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) sports complex — the Italian Rugby Federation's national elite training centre — which includes additional grass training pitches, modern gym and conditioning facilities, and the headquarters of multiple local rugby clubs. The venue is centrally located within the Moletolo sports complex in the Cortile San Martino area, approximately 3km from central Parma with multiple parking spaces on-site.
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi is the home of Italian URC franchise Zebre Parma — one of two Italian professional rugby clubs in the United Rugby Championship. Located in the Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) sports complex on Via Moletolo in the Cortile San Martino area of Parma, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, the 5,000-capacity all-seater rugby-specific ground is owned by the City of Parma and managed by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR). The stadium opened in 2008 as Stadio XXV Aprile (replacing the demolished original Stadio Lanfranchi on Viale Piacenza), was renovated in 2013-14 to expand capacity from 3,600 to 5,000, and was officially renamed Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in January 2015 in honour of the legendary Parma-born Italian rugby international (1925-2001). Zebre Parma have called the stadium home since 2012, replacing the dissolved Aironi franchise in the Pro12 league and the Heineken Cup. The grass-surfaced stadium is part of the Italian Rugby Federation's elite training centre and also hosts Crociati Parma Rugby FC, Gran Parma Rugby, and the Parma Panthers American football team. The famous Sergio Lanfranchi who lends his name to the venue played 101 matches for Rugby Parma between 1946-1950 (winning the 1950 Italian championship) before becoming a legend in France with FC Grenoble — where his bust still sits in front of the club's headquarters.
Italian rugby in Parma traces its roots to 1931 when Rugby Parma was founded. The original Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Viale Piacenza opened in the post-war era with a 3,600 capacity, named after the famous Parma-born Italian rugby international Sergio Lanfranchi (1925-2001). The original stadium was described and referenced in John Grisham's 2007 novel "Playing for Pizza", which is set in Parma. However, the original ground was demolished in July 2008 to make way for the headquarters of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Construction of a replacement modern rugby stadium began in 2007 at a new site within the Moletolo sports complex in the Cortile San Martino area of Parma, opening in 2008 as the 3,600-capacity Stadio XXV Aprile. In 2012, the new stadium became home to the newly-founded Zebre franchise, which replaced the dissolved Aironi in the Pro12 league and the Heineken Cup. A major renovation in 2013-14 expanded capacity from 3,600 to 5,000 with the construction of new covered stands. The City of Parma completed the renovation in 2013, and in January 2015 the stadium was officially renamed Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, restoring the historic name in honour of the legendary Parma rugby international after the demolition of the original ground. Zebre Parma have built their professional URC and European Champions Cup/Challenge Cup home at the venue, with the stadium also serving as the central hub of the Italian Rugby Federation's national training and development programmes.
Stadio Lanfranchi offers an intimate Italian rugby matchday experience — a compact, modern 5,000-capacity rugby-specific ground where Zebre Parma's supporters cheer the "Zebre" (Zebras — the team's name referring to their distinctive black and white striped jerseys reminiscent of the famous local Juventus connection). The Friday evening URC matchday tradition has become a Parma institution, with the stadium's grass pitch, modern covered stands, and close fan-pitch proximity creating a passionate Italian rugby atmosphere. The famous Italian Friday night Friday fixture under floodlights — accompanied by traditional Italian rugby chants and the rousing performance of "Il Canto degli Italiani" (the Italian national anthem) on big European nights — is one of the most distinctive matchday experiences in the URC. Post-match, the legendary food culture of Parma (Italy's renowned gastronomic capital — home to Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiana) extends across the city's many trattorie and bars, making Zebre away weekends among the most enjoyable on the URC calendar.
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi does not currently offer a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme. As the headquarters of the Italian Rugby Federation's Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) and home to Zebre Parma plus multiple amateur rugby clubs, the venue is in heavy daily use for training and matches. Bespoke group visits can be arranged via the Zebre Parma commercial team for schools, corporate clients, and supporter groups by appointment. Tours typically include behind-the-scenes access to the home dressing room, the players' tunnel, pitchside on the natural grass surface, the wider Cittadella del Rugby (Italy's national rugby training centre), hospitality areas, the story of Sergio Lanfranchi (the Parma rugby legend who gives the stadium its name), and Zebre Parma's history since 2012. Contact Zebre Parma via zebreparma.it or +39 0521 980011 to enquire about group visit availability. Tours can be conducted in Italian or English.
Stadio Lanfranchi does not feature a dedicated permanent museum, but the venue celebrates Italian rugby heritage throughout the Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) — the Italian Rugby Federation's national elite training centre based at the stadium. Historical displays and tributes celebrate the namesake Sergio Lanfranchi (1925-2001), one of the greatest Italian rugby players of all time who played 101 matches for Rugby Parma between 1946-1950 (winning the 1950 Italian championship) before becoming a legend in France with FC Grenoble. Lanfranchi is credited with delivering FC Grenoble's only French championship in 1954, scoring the only goal in the Toulouse final against US Cognac in front of 35,000 fans — his bust still sits in front of FC Grenoble's headquarters. Later awarded the title of Knight of Merit of the Italian Republic. Additional displays celebrate Italian rugby history, the founding of Zebre Parma in 2012, and the legacy of rugby in Parma dating back to the 1931 founding of Rugby Parma.
Parma Railway Station is the nearest mainline railway station to Stadio Lanfranchi, located approximately 3km from the stadium — a 10-minute taxi ride or 15-minute TEP city bus journey on route 15. Operated by Trenitalia and Italo, the station sits on the strategic Milan-Bologna high-speed line with very frequent direct services from Milan Centrale (1 hour), Bologna Centrale (50 min), Florence (1h 40m), Rome Termini (3h), and Turin. The station is in central Parma, walking distance to most central hotels and the famous historic centre.
TEP (Trasporti Pubblici Parma) Bus Route 15 is the dedicated direct service from Parma Railway Station and central Parma to Moletolo Centro Sportivo — the bus stop immediately adjacent to Stadio Lanfranchi. Journey time is approximately 15-20 minutes. A standard single fare is around €1.50-€2.00, purchased in advance from tabaccherie (tobacconists), TEP ticket machines, or via the TEP mobile app.
Stadio Lanfranchi is reached via the A1 motorway (Milan-Bologna autostrada) — take the Parma exit and follow signs to the Moletolo sports complex / Cittadella del Rugby. The stadium is approximately 5 minutes drive from the A1. On-site parking is available at the Moletolo sports complex with multiple spaces adjacent to the stadium. Driving is the most convenient matchday option for visitors arriving from Milan (90 min), Bologna (45 min), or Verona (90 min).
Stadio Lanfranchi is approximately 3km from central Parma — a 35-40 minute walk via the Parma city streets, generally too far for most matchgoers. Cycling is a popular Italian alternative — Parma is a bike-friendly city with cycle paths to the Moletolo sports complex (10-15 min). Bike rental is available at multiple central Parma outlets, and the Parma BiciBus public bike system covers central areas.
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi does not currently offer a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme. As the headquarters of the Italian Rugby Federation's Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) and home to Zebre Parma plus multiple amateur rugby clubs, the venue is in heavy daily use for training and matches. Bespoke group visits can be arranged via the Zebre Parma commercial team for schools, corporate clients, and supporter groups by appointment.
Adult tickets cost Price on request, children's tickets are Price on request, and concession tickets are available for Price on request. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 60 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
The Bespoke Group Stadium Visits includes behind-the-scenes access to the home dressing room, the players' tunnel, pitchside on the natural grass surface, the wider cittadella del rugby (rugby citadel) — italy's national rugby training centre, hospitality areas, story of sergio lanfranchi (the parma rugby legend who gives the stadium its name), zebre parma's history since 2012 in the pro12/pro14/urc, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Tours by appointment subject to availability — typically weekdays outside of fixture, training, and event schedules. Not available on matchdays. Contact Zebre Parma via zebreparma.it or by phone +39 0521 980011 to enquire about bespoke group visit availability and pricing.
Luxury accommodation
Rates from £170 to £400 per night
Grand Hotel de la Ville is the leading 4-star luxury hotel in Parma — a beautifully restored historic property in the heart of the city centre approximately 8 minutes drive from Stadio Lanfranchi. With 109 elegantly appointed rooms, the hotel features the celebrated Maxim's Restaurant, a contemporary spa, fitness centre, and exceptional Italian hospitality. The standout luxury choice for visiting URC fans wanting to combine Zebre rugby with Parma's legendary food and culture.
Mid-range accommodation
Rates from £110 to £250 per night
NH Parma is a popular 4-star mid-range hotel from the NH Hotels group, located in the northern Parma area approximately 6 minutes drive from Stadio Lanfranchi. The 119-room hotel offers contemporary Italian accommodation, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness centre, free on-site parking, and modern business facilities. A reliable mid-range choice with excellent stadium access and easy onward connections to central Parma.
Budget accommodation
Rates from £55 to £130 per night
B&B Hotel Parma is the best budget option in the city — a modern 3-star hotel from the B&B chain located in the southern Parma area, approximately 10 minutes drive from Stadio Lanfranchi. The hotel offers comfortable clean rooms at excellent value, with free WiFi, free on-site parking, and complimentary breakfast options included. Perfect for matchgoers seeking an affordable no-fuss Parma stay.
Boutique accommodation
Rates from £150 to £340 per night
Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati is one of Parma's most exquisite boutique hotels — a historic noble palace dating to the 17th century, located on Strada al Duomo right beside Parma Cathedral and Baptistery in the heart of the historic centre. Approximately 8 minutes drive from Stadio Lanfranchi. With elegantly restored period rooms and apartments, the boutique property offers a unique stay in one of Italy's most beautiful historic palaces — directly opposite some of Parma's most iconic monuments.
Stadio Lanfranchi is a modern stadium that opened in 2008 and was renovated in 2013-14 to current Italian accessibility standards. The venue offers step-free access via designated accessible entrances. Stewards are available on matchdays to assist wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility. Wheelchair users should notify the Zebre Parma ticket office in advance to confirm the best accessible entrance.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seating are available at Stadio Lanfranchi. The modern 2008-built ground with 2013-14 renovation features wheelchair positions providing unobstructed pitch views. Capacity is limited and advance booking via the Zebre ticket office is essential. Booking essential. Companion ticket typically included or available at concession rate.
Modern accessible toilet facilities are located throughout Stadio Lanfranchi, with provisions installed as part of the 2008 build and 2013-14 renovation. Locations are signposted from wheelchair seating areas. Stewards can direct visitors to the nearest accessible facilities on matchdays.
Designated disabled parking bays are available at the Moletolo sports complex car park adjacent to Stadio Lanfranchi for Italian Pass Mobilità (disabled badge) holders. Notify the Zebre Parma ticket office in advance for matchday arrangements. Italian Pass Mobilità (disabled badge) required on display.
Zebre Parma stewards are available throughout matchdays to assist supporters with reduced mobility. The compact, modern stadium design makes navigation straightforward. Notify the ticket office in advance if specific assistance is required.
Trained guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at Stadio Lanfranchi. Please notify the ticket office in advance so suitable adjacent seating can be allocated and water bowls arranged on request. Notify in advance via biglietteria@zebreparma.it
Standing Curva Sections tickets range from €12 to €22 for the available as part of all zebre parma season membership packages..
Affordable standing Curva sections — the atmospheric home of the most passionate Zebre supporters.
These the curva sections are the standing areas at either end of the pitch — the spiritual home of the most passionate zebre parma supporters. the most affordable matchday ticket option and the most atmospheric place to experience italian urc rugby. tickets include standing entry to curva, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Distinti (Side Stand) Sections tickets range from €18 to €35 for the distinti season membership covers all home urc and epcr fixtures..
Standard covered seated tickets in the Distinti side stands — the most popular general admission category.
These the distinti sections offer standard seated tickets in the covered side stands at stadio lanfranchi. comfortable covered seating with excellent unobstructed pitch views. the most popular general admission ticket category. tickets include reserved seat in covered distinti stand, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Tribuna Centrale (Main Stand Centre) tickets range from €35 to €55 for the premium tribuna centrale season membership available..
Premium central seats in the Tribuna Centrale main stand — the best views in the ground.
These the tribuna centrale offers premium central seats in the main side stand — on the halfway line with the best views in the stadium and the closest access to the hospitality areas. the premium choice for zebre supporters wanting the optimal matchday viewing position. tickets include premium reserved seat on halfway line, access to upgraded concourse facilities, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Tribuna Centrale Hospitality tickets range from €100 to €220 for the annual hospitality memberships available covering all home urc and epcr fixtures..
Full hospitality experience featuring Parma cuisine, aperitivo, and premium seating. More affordable than equivalent packages at larger URC grounds.
These premium matchday hospitality at stadio lanfranchi is offered via the sala vip (vip lounge) in the tribuna centrale. packages include pre-match italian dining featuring local parma specialities, complimentary aperitivo and wines, premium padded seating, and post-match italian refreshments. excellent value compared to equivalent packages at larger urc grounds. tickets include three-course italian pre-match dining featuring local parma specialities (prosciutto di parma, parmigiano reggiano), emilia-romagna lambrusco aperitivo, complimentary wines (terms apply), premium padded seat, programme, dedicated host, post-match refreshments, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Choice of Stand tickets range from €100 to €380 for the season memberships typically open july-september for following season..
Best value way to attend multiple Zebre Parma matches across the season — significant discount versus walk-up prices.
These zebre parma season memberships offer the best value way to follow the zebre throughout the season — covering all home urc fixtures plus european challenge cup home games. junior memberships heavily discounted; family packages available. tickets include all home urc fixtures, all home epcr challenge cup or champions cup fixtures, priority booking for play-offs, member events, exclusive newsletter, club shop discounts, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi has a capacity of 5,000 — the venue was renovated in 2013-14 from its original 2008-built capacity of 3,600 to the current 5,000 to support Zebre Parma's URC fixtures. The compact rugby-specific ground is one of the smallest in the URC.
Sergio Lanfranchi (Parma, 27 September 1925 — Montchanin, France, 21 January 2001) was one of the greatest Italian rugby players of all time. He played for Rugby Parma from 1946 to 1950, winning the 1950 Italian Scudetto, and played 101 matches for the club. In 1954 he is credited with delivering FC Grenoble's only French championship — scoring the only goal in the Toulouse final against US Cognac in front of 35,000 fans. His bust still sits in front of FC Grenoble's headquarters in France. Later awarded the title of Knight of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Parma Railway Station is the nearest mainline station, located approximately 3km from Stadio Lanfranchi — a 10-minute taxi ride or 15-minute TEP city bus journey on route 15. Operated by Trenitalia and Italo, the station has very frequent direct services from Milan Centrale (1 hour), Bologna Centrale (50 min), Florence, Rome, and Turin via the Milan-Bologna high-speed line.
TEP Bus Route 15 is the dedicated direct service from Parma Railway Station and central Parma to Moletolo Centro Sportivo — the bus stop immediately adjacent to Stadio Lanfranchi. Journey time approximately 15-20 minutes. A standard single fare is around €1.50-€2.00. Cycling is a popular Italian alternative — Parma is a bike-friendly city with cycle paths to the Moletolo sports complex (10-15 min).
Yes — on-site parking is available at the Moletolo sports complex with multiple spaces adjacent to the stadium. On-site parking is generally free on matchdays. Designated disabled parking bays are available for Italian Pass Mobilità holders. From the A1 motorway, take the Parma exit and follow signs to the Moletolo sports complex / Cittadella del Rugby (approximately 5 min drive).
Zebre Parma URC tickets at Stadio Lanfranchi start at approximately €12-€18 for adult Curva standing tickets. Distinti (side stand) seated tickets are €18-€35, premium Tribuna Centrale seats €35-€55, and full Italian hospitality packages from €100 per person — significantly more affordable than equivalent packages at larger URC grounds. Junior tickets and family discounts are widely available.
The current Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi was built between 2007 and 2008, opening as Stadio XXV Aprile. The stadium replaced the original Stadio Lanfranchi on Viale Piacenza which was demolished in July 2008 to make way for the European Food Safety Authority headquarters. The stadium was renovated in 2013-14 by the City of Parma to expand capacity from 3,600 to 5,000, and was officially renamed Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in January 2015.
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi is the home of Zebre Parma (URC and European competitions, since the 2012-13 season). The stadium also hosts Crociati Parma Rugby FC, Gran Parma Rugby, and the Parma Panthers American football team. The ground is owned by the City of Parma and managed by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) as part of the Cittadella del Rugby (Rugby Citadel) national training centre.
Parma is on the strategic Milan-Bologna high-speed rail and motorway line. Milan Centrale Station is approximately 1 hour by direct Trenitalia or Italo train, Bologna Centrale Station is 50 minutes, and both are around 1h 30m by car via the A1 motorway. Many visiting URC supporters base themselves in Milan or Bologna and travel to Parma on matchdays.
Stadio Lanfranchi features food and drink outlets across the ground. For pre-match Italian dining and drinks, Parma offers some of the finest food in Italy — try Trattoria del Tribunale for authentic traditional Parma cuisine, or Parizzi Ristorante for Michelin-starred fine dining. For pre-match aperitivo, Tabarro is one of Parma's most loved wine bars, while BB&G Beer Pub is the city's premier craft beer destination.
Stadio Lanfranchi does not run a regularly scheduled public stadium tour programme. Bespoke group visits can be arranged via the Zebre Parma commercial team for schools, corporate clients and supporter groups. Contact +39 0521 980011 to enquire about availability. Tours can be conducted in Italian or English.
Stadio Lanfranchi has a natural grass playing surface — a traditional Italian rugby pitch maintained by the City of Parma and the Italian Rugby Federation. The grass surface is well-suited to the Emilia-Romagna climate (warm summers, cool winters, occasional snow). The wider Cittadella del Rugby sports complex features additional grass training pitches and modern training facilities.
25 May 2026
Zebre Parma completed their 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi under President Gianni Fava, head coach Massimo Brunello, and captain Giovanni Licata. The campaign featured seven URC home fixtures plus EPCR Challenge Cup home pool matches, marking Zebre Parma's fifth URC season and 14th season of professional rugby. The famous Italian Friday night fixture under floodlights remained a Parma tradition throughout the season.
25 May 2025
Zebre Parma completed the 2024-25 United Rugby Championship season finishing 15th in the league ladder (4th in the Scottish-Italian Shield) under President Domenico Bordieri, head coach Massimo Brunello, and captain Danilo Fischetti. The season featured continued infrastructure investment at Stadio Lanfranchi and consolidation of Zebre Parma's role as one of Italy's two professional URC franchises. The 2024-25 season was Zebre's fourth URC campaign and 13th season of professional rugby.
15 January 2015
The City of Parma officially renamed the modern rugby stadium Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in January 2015, restoring the historic name in honour of the legendary Parma-born Italian rugby international Sergio Lanfranchi (1925-2001). The original Stadio Lanfranchi on Viale Piacenza had been demolished in July 2008 to make way for the European Food Safety Authority headquarters, and the new stadium (which opened in 2008 as Stadio XXV Aprile) had previously been known by its construction-era name. The renaming was widely welcomed by Parma's rugby community.
15 September 2014
The City of Parma completed a major renovation of the Lanfranchi Stadium in 2013-14, expanding capacity from the original 3,600 seats to 5,000 to support Zebre Parma's growing URC presence. The renovation included new covered stands, improved hospitality facilities, modern accessible toilet provisions, and upgraded broadcasting infrastructure for the URC and European Champions Cup. The modernised stadium provides a fit-for-purpose home for professional Italian rugby.
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