Sports in Bologna: Football, Basketball, Ducati and More (2025 Guide)

Visiting Bologna and looking for sports?
Whether you want to watch Bologna FC Italy at Dall’Ara, dive into Basket City, explore Ducati’s heritage, or run under the porticoes, here’s everything you need: tickets, how to get there, best times and local tips.

1. Catch a Bologna FC 1909 Match at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara

Football is the heartbeat of Italy and Bologna is nothing less.

Founded in 1909, Bologna FC boasts a storied history in Italian football, having won 7 Serie A titles.

The Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, situated at the foot of the San Luca Basilica and adjacent to the stunning Certosa Cemetery, boasts a seating capacity of over 38,000 and is one of Italy's most iconic football venues.

Attending a match here is an unforgettable experience.

If you’re in town during the football season (late August to May), be sure to grab a ticket and immerse yourself in the local football culture.

And whatever the final result, don't forget to celebrate with a tagliatelle with ragù.

How to get there
Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is in the western part of Bologna, about a 30-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore. The easiest way is bus 14 from Via Ugo Bassi.
On match days, parking is very limited.

Tickets
Tickets for Bologna FC Italy home games are sold on the club’s official channels.
You’ll need a photo ID to buy and enter the stadium. For big games (Juventus, Inter, Milan), book early.

Best time to go
Serie A runs from late August to May. Evening matches create the best atmosphere, but weekend afternoons are easier for families.

Local tip
Arrive 45–60 minutes before kick-off to enjoy the curva choreography.
After the match, stop in Via Saragozza for tagliatelle al ragù with locals.

2. Explore Basket City and its Temple: Paladozza

We call ourselves Basket City.

So yes, football is important but if there's a single sport that represents Bologna this is Basket.

Virtus Bologna, one of Italy’s most successful basketball clubs, has a legacy that spans decades. With numerous Italian championships and European titles, Virtus has earned its place in the annals of basketball history.

The team's games are held at the Segafredo Arena in the Bologna Fiera District, where the energy and excitement are palpable.

Fortitudo is the other team in town and their home is Paladozza. A stunning hall that locals call "The Madison" for a dubious affinity with Madison Square Garden. In this place, the feeling of being inside the match is even more intense.

Are you visiting Bologna in the summer?
At Giardini Margherita, one of the best parks in Bologna, every night you will notice a huge crowd making noise. It's a playground tournament that expresses how intense local passion is.

So whether you're a basketball aficionado or just looking for strong emotions, attending a basketball game in Bologna is the experience.

How to get there
Virtus Bologna plays at Segafredo Arena in the Fiera District (10 minutes by bus from the center). Fortitudo’s home is Paladozza, just outside the historic center.

Tickets
Both clubs sell tickets on their official websites. Local derbies sell out quickly.

Best time to go
The basketball season runs from September to May.
Summer evenings at Giardini Margherita feature streetball tournaments with a festive atmosphere.

Local tip
Choose Segafredo Arena if you want a big, modern venue with European games.
Pick Paladozza for a historic, loud and intimate experience that locals call “the Madison”.

3. Visit the Ducati Museum

Bologna is also the birthplace of Ducati, one of the most famous motorcycle brands in the world.

The Ducati Museum, located at the company’s headquarters in Borgo Panigale, offers an exhilarating journey through the brand’s history.

From classic motorcycles to contemporary models, the museum showcases the evolution of Ducati’s engineering prowess.

Guided tours are available, and if you’re a true fan, you can even visit the production line to see how these iconic bikes are made.

How to get there
The museum is in Borgo Panigale, 20 minutes by bus (line 36 or 13) from the city center, or a 10-minute train ride.

Tickets
Entry is around €18; guided factory tours cost extra and must be booked in advance. Tickets are sold online on Ducati’s website.

Best time to go
Weekday mornings are quieter. Avoid weekends if you want space to enjoy the exhibits.

Local tip
Pair the museum visit with lunch in a local trattoria. Borgo Panigale has some excellent hidden spots for tortellini in brodo.

4. Experience Motorsports at the Imola Circuit

For motorsport enthusiasts, the legendary Imola Circuit (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari) is just a short drive from Bologna.

The circuit, named after Enzo Ferrari and his son Dino, is one of the most famous tracks in the world, known for hosting Formula 1 races, including the San Marino Grand Prix.

Take a tour of the circuit, visit the museum, or, if you're lucky, catch a live race to feel the adrenaline rush that Imola is known for.

How to get there
Take a regional train from Bologna Centrale to Imola (30 minutes), then walk 15 minutes to the circuit entrance.

Tickets
Guided tours of the paddock, pit lane and museum can be booked through the official Autodromo website. Race-day tickets vary depending on the event.

Best time to go
Check the calendar: Formula 1, Superbike and track days are spread throughout the year. Even without a race, guided tours run on selected dates.

Local tip
Climb to the Rivazza hill viewpoint for the best panoramic shot of the track. After the visit, enjoy a slow lunch in Imola’s medieval center.

5. Attend a Bologna Marathon or a Run

For those who enjoy endurance sports, the Bologna Marathon is a must-attend event.

Held annually, the marathon takes you through the city’s historic streets and best porticoes offering a unique way to see Bologna while testing your limits.

If a full marathon feels a bit daunting, Bologna also offers a variety of shorter races that allow you to soak in the sights at a more relaxed pace.

You can throw on a pair of comfortable shoes, embrace the atmosphere, and enjoy a leisurely jog.

After all, it's the journey, not the destination, that truly counts!

How to get there
The Bologna Marathon starts in the historic center and winds through porticoes and main squares. No transport needed if you stay downtown.

Tickets
Registration is online via the official Bologna Marathon website. Prices vary depending on the race distance.

Best time to go
The full marathon takes place in spring, but shorter runs and non-competitive races happen year-round.

Local tip
Even if you’re not racing, join the crowd along Via Indipendenza or Porta Saragozza to cheer. For training, locals love the porticoes leading up to San Luca or the hills around Villa Ghigi Park.

Conclusion

Sports in Bologna go beyond football.
From the passion of Basket City to the roar of Ducati and the scenic marathon routes, you’ll find practical tips above to plan your day—and if you want to taste the city like a local, join one of our Bologna food tours!