Bologna, 23 June 2023 - BolognaFiere’s mandate to manage the open-air venue Parco Nord starts to the sound of heavy metal with KNOTFEST ITALY (25 June) and THE RETURN OF THE GODS FESTIVAL (2 July, with the reunited PANTERA as headliners), bringing tens of thousands of fans to the Joe Strummer Arena. 

The franchise agreement between the Bologna City Authorities and BolognaFiere SpA for the area of “Parco Nord” marks a new beginning for this large, 23-hectare green urban area. Located between Via Stalingrado, Via Romita and Via Zambeccari, this huge parkland is of enormous strategic interest for the Group as the ideal venue for major events. Investments by BolognaFiere are already underway to upgrade the entire area, improving its amenities and enhancing security. The regeneration project will be two-pronged: first, the overhaul of the area’s water and power supply systems, and second, the refurbishment of the Joe Strummer Arena.

Considered the key asset of the whole compound, the Arena has the potential to generate significant economic returns, but also visibility benefits for Bologna as a whole. The extensive, stepwise redevelopment plan aims to make Parco Nord one of Europe’s top open-air venues with a capacity of over 30,000 spectators, sought after by key event organizers for its state-of-the-art concert and live-performance technology, fully equipped backstage, including production offices, dressing rooms, toilets, showers and catering services. Internal and external security will be another major focus, with a video surveillance network covering both the Arena and the whole park area both during events and on off days. The revitalization project also includes the overhaul of the existing lighting towers with latest generation, low-energy LED spotlights ensuring constant illumination of the whole park.

The 'new' Parco Nord will provide Bologna’s citizens will an amenable green area in which to enjoy sports, entertainment, events, and family fun.

Pier Giovanni Ricci has been appointed Manager of the Parco Nord facility. Ricci boasts many years’ event-facility management experience, including the Palamalaguti, the Imola Racetrack, and the RCF Arena Campovolo in Reggio Emilia.

The two concerts inaugurating the new management are organized by VERTIGO, whose sustainability commitment is confirmed by the announcement that events will be completely plastic-free. No disposable plastic will be available; only reusable cups will be used, and once again, water will be available free of charge for all participants.

KNOTFEST ITALY - 25 June 2023

SLIPKNOT, Architects, Amon Amarth, I Prevail, Lorna Shore, Nothing More, Bleed from Within, and Destrage.

Gates open: 10:30 a.m. - Concerts start: 12 p.m. (midday).

THE RETURN OF THE GODS FESTIVAL - 2 July 2023

PANTERA, Kreator, Behemoth, Elegant Weapons, Coroner, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Vektor, and Sadist.

Gates open: 10:30 a.m. - Concerts start: 12:15 p.m.