Serie A: Udinese Calcio re-open renovated stadium and plan to sell the naming rights to Dacia

Udinese Calcio (Serie A TIM) inaugurated their renovated stadium at the first home game of the 2015-16 season, against US Città di Palermo (0-1, Matchday 2) on 30/08/2015. The stadium, which will be officially completed on 31/12/2015, has a temporary capacity of 18,000 spectators, but this will reach 25,000 when the work is completed.

The stadium opened in 1976 with an initial capacity of 41,000 seats. The work, which included completely rebuilding three stands, has a construction cost of €25m, €15m of which has been funded by Udinese. One of the stands is not yet complete. The stadium, which is owned by the municipality of Udine, will be operated by the Serie A club for 99 years. Udinese Calcio hopes to increase its average attendance, which fluctuated between 15,000 and 17,000 spectators before the start of the renovation. The club hopes to increase its matchday income, which amounted to €3.5m during the 2013-14 season.

Dacia name change sparks controversy

• Udinese Calcio want to sell the naming rights of the stadium to their shirt sponsor, the Dacia automobile brand. The…