Reggio Emilia, Italy — Pallacanestro Reggiana has unveiled a new sustainability initiative dubbed “PalaBici,” inviting fans to cycle to the PalaBigi arena for Sunday’s Italian Serie A2 basketball clash against Bertram Derthona Tortona. The program, launched in conjunction with World Earth Day on April 22, 2026, encourages supporters to reach the venue by bicycle ahead of the 6:00 p.m. Local time tip-off.
The club announced the effort as part of its broader We CaRE community engagement project, with official backing from the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and collaboration from environmental organizations FIAB, Legambiente, and Scuola di Tifo. According to the team’s statement, PalaBici aims to promote eco-friendly transportation habits and raise awareness about green mobility among the local fanbase.
To accommodate participants, a secure bicycle parking zone will be established starting at 4:30 p.m. In Largo Kobe e Gianna Bryant, adjacent to the PalaBigi facility. The first 100 fans arriving by bike will receive complimentary gifts from club partners Solimè and Mazzini Garden. For those without personal bicycles, Pallacanestro Reggiana has arranged free access to the RideMovi bike-sharing service using the promotional code “EARTHDAY26” via the associated mobile application.
RideMovi vehicles are positioned throughout Reggio Emilia, including at designated interchange parking sites such as Parcheggio Volo, Ex Foro Boario, Stadio, Polveriera, Piazzale Funakoshi, Luxemburg, Cecati, and Le Querce. Fans can drive to these locations, park their cars, and complete the journey to PalaBigi using the shared bicycles.
The PalaBigi arena, officially known as the Palazzo dello Sport “Giulio Bigi,” has served as Pallacanestro Reggiana’s home since its opening in 1968. Located on Via Guasco near Piazza Gioberti in central Reggio Emilia, the indoor venue currently holds approximately 3,500 spectators following a capacity reduction in 2007. Historically, it has hosted significant events including Italy’s first national team basketball game in the city — a 1999 friendly against France won 69-64 by the Azzurri.
Sunday’s matchup against Bertram Derthona Tortona represents a key fixture in the Serie A2 season, with both teams competing for positioning in the league standings. PalaBigi has previously welcomed notable basketball spectacles, including appearances by the Harlem Globetrotters and editions of the Women’s All-Star Game, most recently in 2007 when over 3,000 attendees filled the arena.
Emanuele Maccaferri, coordinator of the We CaRE project, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the club’s long-standing commitment to community and social responsibility. “With We CaRE we have always carried forward initiatives that place the community and the world of the third sector at the center,” he stated in the club’s announcement.
Fans planning to attend the game are encouraged to monitor official Pallacanestro Reggiana channels for any updates regarding the PalaBici program or matchday logistics. The tip-off remains scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST), which corresponds to 12:00 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
As Serie A2 action continues through the spring, Pallacanestro Reggiana’s PalaBici effort reflects a growing trend among European sports organizations to integrate environmental advocacy into matchday experiences. Whether the initiative influences future attendance patterns or inspires similar programs elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, it offers Reggio Emilia supporters a tangible way to combine their passion for basketball with participation in a global environmental observance.
For ongoing coverage of Italian basketball and international sports developments, readers are invited to share their thoughts in the comments section below and follow Archysport for verified, timely updates.
