Crispiano Archery Facility Project Unveiled for 2026 Mediterranean Games
The municipality of Crispiano has unveiled designs for a new multi-discipline archery complex in the province of Taranto, built to host events for the XX Mediterranean Games in 2026. According to sporteimpianti.it, the project draws on design funding provided by Cis Taranto through a Cipess resolution from December 2021, following the municipality’s formal adhesion to the Games.
Covering an initial 66 mila metri quadrati with a potential expansion to circa 100 mila metri quadrati, the facility aims to become a major hub for archery in southern Italy. Fitarco president Mario Scarsella noted that the region previously lacked an elite-level archery center, while Crispiano mayor Luca Lopomo emphasized the investment’s role in boosting local tourism, employment, and sports infrastructure.
First Dedicated Archery Center in Puglia and South Italy
The Crispiano development marks the first dedicated indoor and outdoor archery facility in Puglia and the fifth of its kind nationwide in terms of size and organizational capacity, while also standing as the first facility in southern Italy homologated by the international governing body.
The complex is designed to comply fully with Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) standards, Fitarco regulations, and World Archery Federation (WAF) rules. Both able-bodied athletes and athletes with disabilities will have full access to the training and competition zones.
Venue Accommodates 400 People with Indoor and Outdoor Ranges
For standard operations and regional events, the venue is engineered to accommodate approximately 400 people concurrently, including spectators, athletes, and staff. The competition field can host up to 128 archers simultaneously on a rotating schedule.
The architectural layout features both indoor and outdoor ranges for year-round training. Press and judges will operate from a dedicated, walkable flat roof area accessible via an external staircase and equipped with shade structures. Additional infrastructure includes parking lots for athletes and visitors, a 20-bed guesthouse, and a dining area with 40 seats.
Environmental Sustainability and Financial Planning
Engineered by a design team led by engineer Francesca Colaninno, the complex incorporates Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards to minimize power consumption. The blueprint also mandates a treated rainwater harvesting system to supply irrigation networks and separate toilet flushing lines across the entire site.
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