The whole story is a little murky, but is seems that even though the stadium has been erected in Piazza Santa Croce, there will be no Calcio Storico this year because at least two of the four teams could not field squads with the tougher rules on participation (at least this is what I have heard - I am sorry I can't say any of it is fact because the information is proving very hard to find).
There was a parade Saturday, and I think there was a type of game played by various members of the local government (at least I think that what this article is talking about). The photo below if from a couple of years ago - but that is what the stadium looks like now - empty!
From the parade on Via dei Neri (this year):
well...that's a sad story! Look how lonely that stadium is w/ no game! I've always wanted to make it to a calcio storico game...hope it doesn't stop for years to come...
Posted by: www.theolivenotes.com | June 15, 2010 at 12:00 AM
This is the second time in 4 years with no games - the first year we were here, all the players did was fight, so the next year the match was called off. And now with tougher rules to weed out criminals and thugs, they couldn't field teams. This is an ancient tradition, but one that has definitely evolved over the centuries, and it seems more and more that it may come to a halt altogether. The local businesses don't want it in the piazza, and it seems it has little public support... it has sort of become more like professional wrestling in the US than any real sport :)
Posted by: Anthony | June 15, 2010 at 04:16 PM
According to the Florentine, there will be an exhibition game on the 24th:
"A friendly game of Calcio Storico between the Bianchi and Azzurri teams will be held on June 24."
There are also other sporting events going on while the stadium is up.
Posted by: Anthony | June 18, 2010 at 04:33 PM