Deliberately located in the restructured Castello Sforzesco area in order to provide a stable home for festivities and celebratory events for the Repubblica Cisalpina and the new Regno d'Italia, the Arena Civica was designed by The neoclassical architect Luigi Canonica in 1805 at the north eastern end of the Parco Sempione. Built with materials taken from the castle ruins and modeled on Roman amphitheaters, the Arena has an elliptic floor with four main entrances: to the south-east stands the Triumphal Arch in granite framed with two pairs of golden columns; opposite this is the Porta delle Carceri flanked by two towers, as found in roman models. On the north eastern side is the Porta Libitinaria and on the south west the Loggia Reale which has a monolithic Corinthian column in granite. Now used as a sports ground, the elegant construction has seen some changes this century to increase spectator capacity, transforming the terraces. The characteristic curtain of trees that ran alongside the terraces was also removed and the channel that wound along the stalls and brought canal water in also allowed the passage of famous 'naumachie'.
The velodrome was built in the 1930s for Giuseppe Vigorelli. The track was covered by 70km of Swedish pine. The World Champions of cycling and numerous attempts on the world record have taken place here, Francesco Moser being the last person to break it. The Beatles performed here in 1965. Besides it being a cycling course, Velodromo Vigorelli is also used for football, hockey and skating matches.
A favorite spot for people who love horseback riding or racing, Ippodromo La Maura Trotto is a race course that frequently hosts a number of races throughout the years. Not only does the 400-seater course offer great views irrespective of where you sit but a separate area is also kept aside for those who want to place bets. Spectators can also buy an official start program from the ticketing counter. The program provides information on the various horses as well as tips for betting. Whether you are first time spectator at the race, Ippodromo La Maura Trotto, with all its facilities and buzzing atmosphere is a great choice to see a race.
The Mediolanum Forum stadium was built in 1990 and has become the premier center in Milan for major sporting events, musical performances, and other events. During the year, the ATP tennis championship, the Sei giorni di ciclismo (Six Days of Cycling), and basketball games are held here. The stadium has a spectator capacity of 12,000. On another level of the sports stadium, there are spaces for other sports such as skating, swimming, basketball, volleyball, bowling, and squash. There are two multipurpose courts, and a mini-stadium with 200 places available to rent; use of the ball is included in the price. There is also a sports equipment shop, a restaurant, a self-service restaurant and a bar. Stadium hours vary based on an event.