All roads lead to Foro Italico: DZ Engineering lights up Rome’s tennis temple

There is a court in Rome where the public and athletes experience emotions unlike almost any other sports arena: it is the Stadio Pietrangeli, unveiled in 1934, located within the Foro Italico complex. Dedicated to the eponymous Italian tennis champion Nicola Pietrangeli, this venue has become a symbol of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and Italian tennis, also thanks to its evocative surrounding setting. DZ Engineering has carried out an intervention of requalification and efficiency of the lighting system, combining innovation with the different demands of sports and broadcasting.

The lighting project encompasses not only the Pietrangeli court but also Courts 1 to 8. The meticulous care with which the DZE team executed every phase of the work was essential: attention and expertise are indispensable elements for a high-quality result, and, from a technical standpoint, for ensuring uniformity of light levels in compliance with international parameters of ATP Master 1000 and WTA 1000.

Where sport meets history and art

The Pietrangeli has distinctive traits that make it perhaps the most recognisable and enchanting court in the international panorama; its Carrara marble stands set between the century-old pines of the Foro Italico and the 18 magnificent statues, also in marble, make it the ideal theatre for matches of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) circuit, which annually attract thousands of fans from all over the world.

It is precisely in this context that the lighting intervention posed a delicate challenge, both technically and artistically. The primary aim was to improve the functionality and efficiency of the systems, ensuring sufficient standards to meet the requirements of sports events and television broadcasts, without distorting the aesthetic and historical identity of the location.

Technology elevating sport

This unique setting required a comprehensive intervention, executed over 90 consecutive calendar days. The DZE team developed and rigorously adhered to a strict timeline to ensure the full operational readiness of the involved courts by the start of the 2025 Internazionali tournament. This achievement was realised through intense and constant commitment, conducted with professionalism by all involved workforces, in full respect of the Foro’s schedule.

At Campo Pietrangeli, floodlights have been installed to ensure an illumination level of 2000 lux, in compliance with the regulatory requirements for hosting ATP and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) circuit events. This accomplishment attests to the high technical and design quality of the operation.

In parallel, Courts 1 to 8 underwent a significant requalification. This included not only the replacement of the lighting fixtures, but also a complete redesign of the light racks, housing the above-mentioned lighting fixtures, installed on the light towers. This effort substantially improved the overall visual impact of the area, achieving greater aesthetic coherence among all structures within the complex.

Particular attention was paid to integrating a DMX and BMS system, a key element for advanced lighting management. This solution enables centralised and remote control of the courts, as well as the rapid activation of multiple light scenarios, with direct access from a dedicated area. The adoption of this technology not only optimises the organisation of lighting configurations for high-profile events and stadium appointments but also unlocks the potential to create dynamic light shows.

The project implemented by DZ Engineering represents the perfect fusion of innovation and history, balancing contemporary needs and heritage preservation. It aims to guarantee an optimal visual experience for both athletes and the public, enhancing the architectural perception of the court and the evocative Foro Italico complex.