The municipality of Crispiano in the province of Taranto is moving forward with plans to construct a dedicated archery facility ahead of the XX Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, establishing what local project documents describe as a permanent sports hub designed to drive regional economic and athletic development.
According to project outlines released by the Extraordinary Commissioner for the Mediterranean Games and municipal announcements, the new complex will host international archery competitions during the 2026 Games. Beyond the tournament window, planners intend to use the venue for regular regional, national, and international events, alongside daily athletic training for provincial and regional athletes.
Municipal officials have secured funding for the project through CIS Taranto via a Cipess resolution passed in December 2021. The venue is slated to become the first dedicated indoor and outdoor archery facility in Puglia, as well as the first facility in southern Italy homologated by the international governing body.
“An installation of this kind will become a reference point in southern Italy, considering that we do not have archery centers of this level in the south,” said Fitarco President Mario Scarsella, highlighting the modern design featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces for year-round training.
Crispiano Mayor Luca Lopomo expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that the investment establishes the municipality as a leader in national sports infrastructure while serving as a tourism draw that creates local jobs.
“It is an investment that we strongly wanted and that places us as an excellence in national sports infrastructure,” Lopomo said. “It will be not only a modern and sustainable facility but also a tourist attraction for our territory, which will generate employment and development, in addition to positive implications on the sports front.”
Project Specifications and Venue Capacity
The facility sits on an intervention area spanning roughly 66 mila square meters, with potential for future expansion to approximately 100 mila square meters through an additional lot to increase spectator capacity. The project is led by a design group headed by engineer Francesca Colaninno of Studio Progettazioni Generali.
During everyday operations, the permanent infrastructure will accommodate around 400 users simultaneously, including spectators, athletes, and staff. For the 2026 Mediterranean Games and other major competitions, temporary modular seating can be installed to expand capacity up to 1,000 spectators and personnel. The shooting field will support up to 128 athletes rotating simultaneously during major tournaments.
Project designs incorporate a flat, accessible rooftop area equipped with stairs, furniture, and shade structures to serve as a workspace for press representatives and judges during events. The layout complies with CONI regulations for sports facilities, Fitarco national rules, and World Archery Federation standards, ensuring full accessibility for both disabled and able-bodied athletes.
Environmental Sustainability and Local Integration
Constructed within the unique landscape of the Ionian-Tarantino Arc near the Tratturello Martinese area, the complex aims for high environmental standards. The main buildings are designed as Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) to minimize power consumption. Additionally, the facility features a treated rainwater recycling system designed for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing across the complex.
The infrastructure also includes dedicated parking areas for athletes and the public, alongside a guesthouse volume offering 20 beds and a catering area with 40 seats to support visiting delegations.
