Despe brings in 350 t Cat excavator for Atalanta FC stadium demolition

The CAT 6015 Jumbo Demolition on site at Atalanta FC's stadium. Photo: Despe

The company enlisted a Cat 6015 Jumbo Demolition machine to take down the Curva Sud Morosini at Atalanta FC’s Gewiss Stadium home in Bergamo, around 40 km (25 miles) north east of Milan.

Despe – a multiple winner at the World Demolition Awards in recent years – chose the machine due to its mix of technology and advanced hydraulics that is said to enable it to precisely carry out large-scale projects despite its size.

It has an operating weight with equipment of 351 t, maximum usable equipment weight of 25 t, and a maximum working height of 48 m (157 ft) at 10 t.

The Atalanta club was formed in 1907 and has enjoyed continuous membership of Italy’s Serie A (premier division) since 2011, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League three years ago.

Situated behind the goal at the south end of the stadium, the Curva Sud previously held 3,500 spectators. Now the demolition has been completed, its replacement will increase the total capacity at the Gewiss to around 25,000.

Some big names were present to witness the start of the demolition, including Marco Brunelli – the secretary-general of the Italian national football team – Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, and Luca Percassi, CEO of Atlanta.

Club president Antonio Percassi started the demolition process, which was also watched by Francesco Valesini who was representing the municipality of Bergamo.

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