By Guilherme Caleffi Spindola
The Torneo dei Bar in Spoleto is not just a basketball competition; it is a celebration of community, passion, and love for the game. Every year, the court comes alive with the excitement of friends, families, and fans cheering for their teams. The atmosphere is electrifying, filled with chants, laughter, and the unmistakable adrenaline of competition. For the players, stepping onto the court is an exhilarating experience: heartbeats quicken, adrenaline rushes through their veins, and the desire to give their all for their team and their bar reaches its peak.
The mix of skill levels, from seasoned players to passionate amateurs, adds an element of unpredictability that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. The energy is contagious—every basket, every steal, and every fast break ignites waves of enthusiasm among the crowd. The final moments of each game are particularly intense, as teams push themselves to the limit to secure victory and make their supporters proud.
The tournament, which has grown into a well-known event across Umbria, has roots dating back to the 1970s. Originally held at the former Giardini dello Sport, it was a staple in the local sports culture until a temporary interruption. However, in 2013, ASD Cestistica Spoletina revived the tournament, ensuring its continuity. Since then, the Torneo dei Bar has been dedicated to Corrado Spatola, a beloved figure in Spoleto’s basketball scene and a great player who left too soon. Over the years, the competition has extended beyond Spoleto, attracting players and fans from across the region and beyond. Today, mentioning the “Torneo dei Bar” in Perugia or Terni immediately sparks recognition, confirming its growing popularity. Since its revival, the tournament has been held at various venues and, for the second consecutive year, will take place at the Circolo Tennis from June 16 to 26, 2025.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the tournament is its draft system, inspired by the NBA. Instead of traditional teams, the competition is structured around local bars, each of which is randomly paired with a team captain. A second selection night follows, during which captains and bar owners draft players from a pool of 120 participants, ensuring a balanced mix of teams. This system creates an exciting blend of players, from registered league athletes to passionate amateurs, including women, under-18s, and over-50s. The result is an unpredictable and thrilling tournament, where each team is a combination of diverse experiences and skills. Thanks to this format, a different bar has the chance to win each year, maintaining high competitiveness and engagement.
The Torneo dei Bar, also known as the Memorial Corrado Spatola, is one of Spoleto’s most anticipated sporting events. The 30th edition in 2024 was an outstanding success, with large crowds gathering at the newly renovated Circolo Tennis every night. The 31st edition, scheduled for June 16–26, 2025, promises to be just as exciting, with new surprises in store. Whether you’re a player or a fan, this is an unmissable event—a true celebration of basketball, camaraderie, and the spirit of Spoleto.
Info: www.torneodeibarspoleto.it
