Bluenergy Stadium

The Bluenergy Stadium, officially Stadio Friuli, is the home of Udinese Calcio and one of Italy's most successfully modernised mid-sized grounds. Originally opened in 1976 and almost entirely rebuilt between 2013 and 2016 to architect Lorenzo Giacomuzzi Moore's design, the stadium now holds 25,144 in a tight, club-owned configuration that placed Udinese alongside Juventus as one of the very few Italian clubs to own their own modern ground. The naming rights have moved from the historic Stadio Friuli (1976-2016) to Dacia Arena (2016-2022) to the current Bluenergy Stadium (since 2022) under a sponsorship with the Italian energy group.

Located in the Rizzi district about 3 km north-west of Udine's medieval centre, the stadium hosted matches at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup. Udinese under the Pozzo family ownership have been one of Italian football's most stable and globally scouted operations — Champions League regulars across the late 2000s and early 2010s under coaches Pasquale Marino, Francesco Guidolin and Luciano Spalletti, and a continuous Serie A presence since 1995 (the longest of any non-Big-Five Italian club). The 2013-2016 reconstruction removed the running track, dropped the crowd close to the pitch, and won the Serie A 'Most Valuable Field' award in 2022 — making the Friuli one of the better matchday experiences in the lower-mid-tier of Serie A. Compared to the architectural grandeur of Allianz Stadium or the rougher 1990s vibe of Stadio Bentegodi, the Friuli sits in the modern club-owned middle ground.

The stadium opened on 27 September 1976 as the Stadio Friuli, replacing Udinese's previous Stadio Moretti. The original ground was a single-tier bowl with a running track and capacity around 41,652 — a classic municipally-owned multi-purpose 1970s Italian stadium.

The 1990 World Cup

The Friuli hosted three matches at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, including a memorable Yugoslavia vs Spain group-stage tie. Renovations for the tournament added covered seating and modernised facilities but kept the running-track layout.

The 2013-2016 Pozzo Reconstruction

Under the ownership of the Pozzo family (Giampaolo Pozzo since 1986), Udinese took the bold step of demolishing the running track and reconstructing the stadium as a modern club-owned bowl. Architect Lorenzo Giacomuzzi Moore's design built a steep, intimate ground placing fans extraordinarily close to the pitch — closer than at almost any other Italian stadium. The new capacity of 25,144 was significantly smaller than the original 41,652, reflecting modern preferences for a tighter, more atmospheric experience. The reconstruction was completed in 2016, with Udinese paying for the work themselves rather than relying on municipal funds.

Naming Rights

A naming rights deal with the Dacia car brand (owned by Renault) renamed the stadium Dacia Arena from 2016 to 2022. When that deal expired, Italian energy group Bluenergy took over and the stadium has been the Bluenergy Stadium since 2022. Under UEFA rules prohibiting sponsor names in European competition, all UEFA fixtures are billed as Stadio Friuli.

The 2025 UEFA Super Cup

In August 2025, the Bluenergy Stadium hosted the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League winners) and Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League winners) — a moment of major European visibility for Udine and the stadium. UEFA's choice was driven in part by the venue's modern facilities and quality playing surface.

Udinese's European Era

Under Pasquale Marino, Francesco Guidolin and Luciano Spalletti, Udinese became Champions League regulars across the late 2000s and early 2010s, reaching the Champions League group stage in 2005/06 (with notable wins over Barcelona) and the playoff round multiple times. The club has continuously played in Serie A since 1995 — the longest unbroken top-flight run of any non-Big-Five Italian club. Udinese's scouting network is among the most respected in football, producing players including Antonio Di Natale, Alexis Sánchez, Roberto Pereyra and Rodrigo De Paul.

How to Get Udinese Calcio Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a match at the Bluenergy Stadium:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Buy directly from udinese.it — general sale typically opens 2-3 weeks before kickoff. Prices range from €20 (Curva upper corners) to €130+ (Tribuna Centrale premium). Italian rules require nominative tickets with a matching photo ID. 'Udinese Member' card unlocks earlier sales windows.

⚠️ Important: Visits from Juventus, Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma sell out before general sale.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

Udinese hospitality at the Bluenergy Stadium:

• Tribuna VIP — central premium with pre/post-match Friulian dining, from €200
• Sky Box — private suite for groups, from €400+ per person
• Premium Tribuna Centrale — central lower-tier with hospitality access, from €220

Book via the Udinese hospitality desk through the official portal.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

For sold-out fixtures:

• LiveFootballTickets — Serie A specialists, from €60
• SeatPick — comparison platform

⚠️ Note: Italian nominative-ticket rules mean some resale tickets cannot be legally transferred. Verify the seller can re-issue in your name.

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Bluenergy Stadium Tour

Udinese offers stadium tours focused on the 2013-2016 reconstruction and the club's European pedigree.

What You'll See

• Champions League heritage — Udinese's 2005/06 and 2011/12 Champions League campaigns including the win over Barcelona
• Pozzo family era exhibits — the longest continuous Serie A run of any non-Big-Five Italian club
• 2013-2016 reconstruction — architectural exhibits on Lorenzo Giacomuzzi Moore's design
• 2025 UEFA Super Cup memorabilia
• Home dressing room and tunnel
• Pitch-side and dugout access — the steep new stands are visible from the touchline

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 60-75 minutes
• Schedule: Limited; typically Saturdays
• Price: Adults around €15-20
• Languages: Italian, English
• Accessibility: Excellent following the reconstruction

Booking

• GetYourGuide
• Viator
• Direct: udinese.it

Pro tip: Combine the matchday with the Friulian wine roads (Colli Orientali del Friuli) — one of Italy's most underrated wine regions, with white wines (Friulano, Ribolla Gialla) that pair beautifully with the local San Daniele ham.

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Quick Tips

• Bring photo ID: Tickets are nominative
• Long Serie A streak: Udinese has the longest unbroken top-flight run of any non-Big-Five Italian club (since 1995)
• 2022 Best Field award: The pitch is one of the finest in Serie A
• Combine with the region: Slovenia and Trieste are within 90 minutes' drive

Best Seats at Bluenergy Stadium

The ground is a tight modern bowl with steep stands. The Curva Nord at one end (home of the Udinese ultras), the Curva Sud opposite, the Tribuna along one long side and the Distinti opposite. The 2013-2016 reconstruction placed fans extraordinarily close to the pitch.

Curva Nord (North End)

Historic home of the Udinese ultras — the Curva Nord Udine group. Loud, choreographed, behind the goal. Prices typically €20-40 for Serie A. Atmosphere is excellent thanks to the steep new stand design.

Curva Sud (South End)

The opposite curve, traditionally allocated to away teams and additional Udinese supporters. Prices €20-35. Away allocation typically in the upper section.

Tribuna (Long Side, West)

The Tribuna runs along the west long side with the dressing room tunnel below. Includes Tribuna Centrale (premium central) and Tribuna Laterale (wings). Pricing €50-100 (Lower Tier central), €40-80 (Upper Tier), with central sections most expensive.

Distinti (Long Side, East)

The Distinti is the opposite long side. Pricing €40-80. Slightly more affordable.

Premium & Hospitality

Udinese has built modern hospitality into the reconstruction. Tribuna VIP and Sky Box offerings start around €200 and exceed €400 for Champions League nights and visits from Inter, Milan, Juventus and Napoli. Book via the club hospitality desk.

Accessibility

The rebuilt stands include wheelchair-accessible platforms with companion seats. Excellent accessibility throughout the 2016 reconstruction.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: Curva Nord lower tier
• Best balance: Tribuna Centrale, Lower Tier — closer to the pitch than at any other Italian Serie A stadium
• Best photographs: Distinti upper looking back toward the Alps
• Away fans: Curva Sud upper
• 2022 Best Field award: The playing surface is one of the finest in Italian football

A matchday at the Bluenergy Stadium is one of the most relaxed and accessible football experiences in Italy — a modern club-owned ground in a small Friulian provincial city, with the Slovenian and Austrian borders within an hour's drive and one of Italy's underrated wine regions on the doorstep.

What to Bring

Standard Italian league security. Bags larger than A4 (21cm × 30cm) are not permitted; small handbags and rucksacks are subject to search. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas with rigid handles, professional cameras with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, flares, glass and outside food/drink. Italian regulations require nominative tickets matched to a photo ID. Arrive 45-60 minutes before kickoff.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

Udine's medieval centre is a 25-30 minute walk from the stadium. Bars and trattorias around Piazza Libertà, Via Mercatovecchio and the Castello di Udine fill with bianconeri-clad supporters. Try Trattoria al Lepre for traditional Friulian cuisine including the local frico (cheese-and-potato pancake) and gnocchi de susini (plum gnocchi), or Caffè Contarena for an aperitivo with local Friulano white wines. The Friulian dialect is distinct from standard Italian and you'll hear it in the bars and on the curva. Many fans walk to the stadium via Viale Volontari della Libertà.

Inside the Stadium

Gates open roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. The reconstructed stadium places fans remarkably close to the pitch. Pre-match anthems include the iconic 'Forza Udinese', 'Bianconeri' (Udinese's black-and-white colours), and 'Friuli Friuli'. The Curva Nord leads cánticos throughout — Udinese's tifoseria is small but devoted and proud of the club's longevity in Serie A.

Food & Drink

Concession kiosks sell Friulian matchday fare — frico, panini con prosciutto di San Daniele (the local cured ham, considered among Italy's finest), piadine, plus Birra Moretti (originally a Friulian beer) and local craft brews. Prices reasonable (around €5-7). Hospitality areas offer Friulian tasting menus with Friulano, Refosco and other local wines.

After the Match

Post-match crowds funnel toward central Udine via Via Vittorio Veneto and the bus interchange. The centro storico stays animated until late — Piazza Matteotti is the post-match hub with traditional Friulian trattorias and modern bars. Friulian food culture is among Italy's most distinct and underrated.

International Visitor Tips: Italian rules require nominative tickets matched to a photo ID. Combine the matchday with the Castello di Udine (medieval castle with city views), the Tiepolo frescoes in the Patriarchal Palace, and the wine roads of Colli Orientali del Friuli. Udine is a 90-minute drive from both Trieste (Italy) and Ljubljana (Slovenia) — an excellent base for a multi-country trip.

Where to Stay for Bluenergy Stadium

Near the Stadium (Rizzi)

Search hotels near Bluenergy Stadium

The Rizzi district is residential and quieter than central Udine. Most visitors stay in the centre for the food and atmosphere.

Friuli Hotel (Rizzi, 1.0 km)

Three-star within walking distance of the stadium. Comfortable rooms, on-site restaurant. Practical pick for match-focused trips.

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Udine Centro Storico (Recommended)

Search hotels in central Udine

For most visitors, central Udine around Piazza Libertà, Piazza Matteotti or the Castello di Udine is the better choice — walking distance to the medieval centre, the Tiepolo frescoes and Friulian restaurants.

Astoria Hotel Italia (Piazza Libertà, 3 km)

Four-star landmark on Udine's most important square. Central location, classic service, excellent restaurant. The premier base for combining football with Udine's culture.

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Hotel Allegria (centro storico, 3 km)

Four-star design hotel near the medieval centre. Smaller and more boutique than the Astoria.

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Ai Cavalieri Hotel (Piazza San Cristoforo, 3 km)

Four-star in the centro storico with rooftop terrace and views over the medieval town. Excellent base for combining matchday with Friulian wine and food culture.

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Our Recommendation

For most visitors, stay in central Udine — the medieval centre is one of north-eastern Italy's underrated destinations and the stadium is an easy bus or pleasant walk away. Stadium-area Rizzi hotels make sense only for purely match-focused trips. Udine pairs naturally with Trieste, Venice, or even Ljubljana (Slovenia) for multi-city itineraries.