Naples Residents Protest America’s Cup Preparations in Bagnoli

Naples, Italy – Residents of the Bagnoli neighborhood in Naples are voicing strong opposition to preparations for the upcoming America’s Cup sailing competition, specifically concerning the planned apply of the area for boat storage. Protests escalated on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during an extraordinary session of the Naples City Council convened to discuss the event’s impact on the local community.

Concerns Over Lack of Consultation

Activists and local residents claim they have been excluded from the planning process and are frustrated by the lack of communication from the municipal administration. Eddy Sorge, an activist with the ‘Movimento 7 Novembre,’ expressed the community’s discontent, stating, “Bagnoli says no to a package that does not concern the America’s Cup because here there will only be the storage of the Cup boats. For two years we have been asking for a discussion with the municipal administration. They are only coming to the neighborhood today with a construction site already underway, if this is democracy…” LaPresse, Il Sole 24 Ore)

Tensions at City Council Meeting

The situation became tense as protesters attempted to enter the council chamber, leading to a confrontation with police protecting the municipal building. According to Il Mattino, a police officer sustained a head injury during the scuffle and required ten days of medical care. Protesters voiced their concerns through slogans directed at local institutions.

Focus on Boat Storage

A central point of contention is the planned use of Bagnoli as a storage facility for the America’s Cup boats, with residents arguing that this provides limited benefit to the local community. The ‘Movimento 7 Novembre’ and other local committees are demanding greater transparency and involvement in the decision-making process regarding the America’s Cup preparations.

Further Developments

The Naples City Council session aimed to address concerns surrounding the ongoing land remediation work and preparations for the America’s Cup. The protests highlight the challenges of balancing large-scale events with the needs and concerns of local communities.