So last weekend, I finally dragged myself to Flaminio Stadium after months of saying “next month maybe.” Grabbed my notebook and comfy shoes, thinking I’d just casually check it out. Boy, was I unprepared.
First Mistake: Transportation Nightmare
Took the Metro Line A to Flaminio station like Google Maps said. Got out blinking at the piazza thinking “where’s the damn stadium?” Turns out it’s a solid 20-minute uphill walk past the Borghese gardens. My poor feet were screaming before I even saw the concrete ramps.
The Main Gate Surprise
Approached what looked like the main entrance near Viale Tiziano. Security guard just shook his head – “Closed since reno started.” Had to circle the whole perimeter like a lost pigeon before finding the tiny temporary entrance behind Gate 8. Pro tip: follow the cigarette butts on the ground.
Snack Situation Disaster
My stomach started rumbling around the curved stands. Saw exactly one ancient kiosk selling 5 euro flat sodas and rock-hard biscotti. Glad I’d shoved emergency protein bars in my backpack after that fiasco at San Siro last summer.
Toilet Chronicles
Made the classic mistake of chugging an espresso pre-tour. When nature called, I found concrete stalls straight outta 1985 – think no doors and suspicious puddles. Ended up speed-walking to Bar Trieste across the street like my life depended on it.
The View Letdown
Climbed all the way to the top tier for that iconic panorama shot. Yeah… scaffolding covered half the pitch and the Olympic Stadium cranes ruined the skyline view. My Instagram story got exactly three pity likes.
Trudged back to the Metro feeling like I’d run a marathon. Would I go again? Maybe when the renovations finish in 2040. At least now I know to pack hiking boots and a pee-break strategy.
