MONTECATINI TERME, Italy – After 634 days of anticipation, the PalaTerme in Montecatini Terme is set to reopen its doors on March 8, 2026, marking a significant moment for basketball and the local community. The arena, home to both Fabo Herons and La T Tecnica Gema, will host a full day of basketball action, signaling a revival for the sport in the Tuscan city.
The reopening is particularly poignant, coming nearly two years after the last event held at the venue on June 12, 2024. That date, while marked by disappointment for Fabo Herons in the Serie B Playoff finals, remains etched in the memories of local fans. The return to the PalaTerme isn’t just about basketball. it’s about restoring a vital community hub and boosting the local economy.
A Unified Front for Montecatini Basketball
What makes this reopening even more special is the unprecedented collaboration between Fabo Herons and La T Tecnica Gema. Traditionally rivals, the two clubs have arrive together to offer a unified promotion for fans, allowing those with season tickets to either team access to both games on March 8th. A single-game ticket for the Fabo Herons matchup against Agrigento at noon also grants entry to the evening game featuring Pallacanestro Montecatini and Siaz Piazza Armerina at 7:00 PM, and vice versa. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to fostering a vibrant basketball culture in Montecatini Terme.
More Than Just a Venue: A Catalyst for Growth
The renovated PalaTerme is envisioned as more than just a basketball arena. City officials hope it will become a strategic asset for the entire region, attracting events of all kinds and driving economic growth. Current capacity is approved for 2,800 spectators – the same as before the closure – but plans are already underway to expand that to 4,000 by the end of March. This expansion is driven, in part, by the upcoming visit of the Harlem Globetrotters on April 10th, with their “100 Years World Tour.”
The journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. The project involved navigating complexities and overcoming delays, requiring collaboration between the administrations of former Mayor Luca Baroncini, who secured the necessary funding, and current Mayor Claudio Del Rosso. Del Rosso emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “It’s not a time for claims, but for sharing. That’s why we wanted to involve the previous administration.” He acknowledged the difficulties encountered during the renovation, offering an apology for the extended wait, but ultimately celebrating the successful outcome. “Today, the result counts: the PalaTerme will be a central point for the city’s sport, especially basketball, and a strategic place to host events and initiatives within the city’s relaunch project.”
A Community Effort and a Blessing
Local political group Centrodestra Montecatini echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for continued investment in the venue’s upkeep. They stated, “Now the most important phase opens: to truly bring the PalaTerme to life. Increasing the capacity to 4,000 and the return of sporting and non-sporting events can transform the renovated arena into a driving force for the local economy.”
The reopening was preceded by a blessing ceremony led by Montecatini’s parish priest, Don Gianluca Diolaiuti, attended by city officials, club presidents Lulli and Luchi, and the captains of both Herons and La T Gema, Nicola Natali and D’Alessandro. This symbolic gesture highlights the deep connection between basketball and the community in Montecatini Terme, where the sport is considered “a serious, almost sacred thing.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the PalaTerme?
The immediate focus is on a successful reopening day, with a full schedule of basketball games designed to showcase the talent and passion within the community. Beyond that, the PalaTerme is poised to become a key venue for a variety of events, from concerts and conferences to sporting competitions. The planned expansion to 4,000 capacity will further enhance its appeal, attracting larger-scale events and maximizing its economic impact.
The arrival of the Harlem Globetrotters in April is a significant early test, demonstrating the venue’s ability to host internationally recognized acts. The long-term success of the PalaTerme will depend on continued collaboration between the city, the basketball clubs, and the local community, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and thriving hub for years to come.
The Fabo Herons are currently competing in the Serie B Nazionale, and their performance will be closely watched as they aim to climb the ranks and potentially secure promotion to Serie A2. The team’s success, coupled with the renewed energy surrounding the PalaTerme, could usher in a golden era for basketball in Montecatini Terme.
Next up for Fabo Herons: A home game against Agrigento on March 8th, marking the official reopening of the PalaTerme. Fans can find more information and ticket details on the team’s official Facebook page: Herons Basket Montecatini.
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