The stadium was inaugurated on September 11, 1966, with a match against Spartak Moscow.
The pitch dimensions are 105 by 70 meters.
In 1985, the stadium was expanded to reach a capacity of over 50,000 spectators to accommodate Lecce's first promotion to Serie A.
The venue hosted a major concert by Duran Duran in 1987 as part of their Strange Behaviour Tour.
The stadium features a distinctive 'curva' layout common in Italian football, fostering intense home-field support.
Despite the high capacity in the 80s, the current configuration is optimized for modern safety regulations, reducing the total count to roughly 31,500.
The stadium's nickname 'Via del Mare' derives from the street name where it is located, which historically led toward the Adriatic coast.
Stadio Ettore Giardiniero, commonly known as Stadio Via del Mare, is the home stadium of the professional football club U.S. Lecce. Opened in 1966, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 31,500 spectators. It is situated in the southern outskirts of the city of Lecce, Puglia. The structure is characterized by its distinct elliptical shape and open-air grandstands. It has undergone multiple renovations to comply with modern Serie A safety and seating standards. The venue frequently hosts Serie A league matches and Italian Cup fixtures. The stadium was named after Ettore Giardiniero, a former mayor of Lecce who significantly supported the construction of the facility. It remains the primary sporting hub for the Salento region.
The highest rows of the Curva Nord for a panoramic view of the entire pitch and the stadium architecture.
Bring a portable cushion, as the stadium seating is primarily cold, hard plastic or metal.
Arrive well before kickoff to experience the pre-match atmosphere, which is central to the local sporting culture.
Avoid bringing large backpacks or professional camera equipment, as security checks are strict regarding stadium entry items.
Do not attempt to drive into the immediate parking perimeter during high-attendance games, as local traffic restrictions make exits extremely slow.
Active only during the professional football season; no scheduled tours outside of match days.
No specific dress code, but wearing team colors is standard for fans; avoid wearing opposing team colors in the home supporter sections.
