June 2026. This is the event for Palermo’s athletes with the reopening of various key facilities. In fact, on that date the doors of the Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool in Viale del Fante, the Sports Hall and the Baseball Diamond in Viale dell’Olimpo. Furthermore, in a few months two important areas of the Paolo Borsellino Velodrome in Viale Lanza di Scalea will be redeveloped: the cycling track and the football field which will be approved.
The Sports Councilor of the Municipality of Palermo illustrated everything Alessandro Anello spoke at the Agora. Anello explained in the broadcast what will be done in the respective structures.
Olympic swimming pool
The councilor explained that “indoor and outdoor pools will be redeveloped. Overall systems. We are trying to understand what level of energy efficiency there will be because this is the subject of discussion with the Italian Swimming Federation”.
And on the stands of the open pool “we are also intervening there because the regulations on child seat distances have changed. Changing rooms with stands are planned for the outdoor pool and will therefore be held in June 2026”.
The president of Telimar, Marcello Giliberti, also asked for advice on the prefabricated swimming pool: “We cannot intervene directly there as the municipal administration – Anello replied – because the contract is not ours. We have received reassurances: the agreement has been signed and the private individual who is implementing it has committed to spring 2025”.
Sports Hall
Even the Sports Hall, closed since April 2008 after a storm uncovered part of the structure, will come back to life in June 2026. Anello recalls that they were addressed “Pnrr funds with 8.5 million”. The councilor further clarified: “we have already started discussions to outsource it. An announcement will be made. And it will not only be for sporting purposes but also for concert purposes”.
On the dualism between sport and concerts, Anello continues: “Like the velodrome which is already operational. It will be approved for football from now up to a few months maximum. We are certain that we will be able to have – thanks to the administrative surplus that the councilors have approved – the redevelopment of the cycling track and the covered grandstand”.
Baseball diamond
The Baseball Diamond, rated one of the most beautiful facilities in the world, will also reopen. In fact, it will shine again. Hopefully like when it hosted the 1998 Baseball World Cup. The Diamond was inaugurated by Liza Minelli. For this facility too, D Day will be in June 2026. But the structure will be multifunctional. “Baseball and cricket teams will use it, and maybe even rugby”.
Ring, “2026 date is mandatory for use of Pnrr funds”
The Sports Councilor then concludes his speech: “June 2026 is not only an indicative date but is an obligation for the use of Pnrr funds and is directly followed by the operational arm of Coni which is Sport and Healthe”.
