by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: president Nicola Princivalli; Elisa Lodi, Trieste city councilor for sport
A new outdoor sports complex on Trieste’s Barcola waterfront will officially open this weekend with three days of tournaments, demonstrations and activities for children, families and adults.
The facility, formerly known as the Cittadella dello Sport di Barcola, has been renamed the Trieste Sport Village. Its inaugural program will run from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11, with activities ranging from basketball, beach volleyball and tennis to skateboarding, BMX, dance, yoga and Pilates.
The €8 million project was developed by the Municipality of Trieste in the Porto Vecchio-Porto Vivo area, using funding from the national recovery plan, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and the city. Construction was completed in August.
Elisa Lodi, the city’s councilor for sports and real estate assets, said the project had transformed a previously unused area into what the city describes as its first fully outdoor sports complex.
The facility is being operated by ASD Union Tennis & Padel, led by president Nicola Princivalli. The organization plans to expand the existing facilities, including covered padel courts and a multipurpose area, while adding hospitality and food services.
Princivalli said the goal was to create a venue that could operate throughout the year and attract people of different ages and abilities, including people with disabilities.
The opening weekend will combine competitive events with activities designed to allow visitors to try different sports. Friday’s program includes an open skateboard session, youth basketball tournaments, a mixed 3-on-3 beach volleyball tournament, aerial performances and a social run. The evening will also include a stand-up comedy performance and food and beverage services.
Saturday will feature Pilates, yoga and postural training, slackline demonstrations, a skateboarding contest, breakdance and hip-hop performances, and an under-13 basketball tournament involving teams from Trieste, Udine and Venice. Tennis activities, beach volleyball and Argentine tango will also be offered.
On Sunday, the program will include a BMX contest, open fitness classes, slackline demonstrations, a men’s and women’s beach tennis tournament and arm-wrestling activities.
Tommaso Lot of ASD Union Tennis & Padel said the opening was intended not only to introduce the new management but also to establish relationships with local sports organizations and associations.
The organization said it hopes the Trieste Sport Village will develop into a year-round gathering place where sports, recreation and social activities coexist along the Barcola waterfront.
The weekend’s activities are open to the public, with some events requiring registration.
