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Como Cup on Lake Como: My Experience & Complete Visitor Guide
A practical guide to attending the Como Cup, including tickets, prices, the matchday experience at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia and how to plan a football trip to Lake Como.
There can't be many football stadiums in Europe with a setting quite like Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, home of Como 1907.
On one side, you've got the pitch, the stands and the unmistakable noise of football supporters.
On the other, Lake Como stretches towards the mountains, with boats crossing the water just beyond the stadium. Next door, you'll find the Como Aero Club and Como Yacht Club.
Not exactly the neighbours you'd expect for a football ground with such a passionate atmosphere! And with all the excitement surrounding Como 1907, it's fast becoming a must-visit destination for football fans.
The Como Cup offers a surprisingly accessible way to experience it every summer.
In July 2026, I paid €45 to watch three matches in one evening as part of the club's international pre-season tournament, held during its wider Football on the Lake festival.
Three matches, one ticket and a football stadium beside one of Italy's most famous lakes.
But was it actually worth travelling for?
At a Glance: The Como Cup
Location: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como, Italy.
When: Late July and early August, during the summer pre-season.
What: A pre-season football tournament hosted by Como 1907, featuring visiting clubs from around the world.
My ticket: €45 for three matches in one evening during the group stage.
Getting there: The stadium is within walking distance of Como's town centre and Como San Giovanni railway station.
Best for: Football fans, families visiting Lake Como during the summer holidays, and anyone looking to combine sport with a lakeside getaway.
My verdict: An affordable and memorable way to experience football in one of Europe's most spectacular stadium settings.
Ticket prices, participating teams and tournament formats may change in future editions.
Watch My Como Cup Experience
What Is the Como Cup?
The Como Cup is an international pre-season football tournament hosted by Como 1907 at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy.
The first edition took place in July 2025, featuring Como 1907, Celtic, Ajax and Al-Ahli.
For the 2026 tournament, the competition expanded to six clubs, with Como joined by Crystal Palace, RC Lens, Famalicão, Villarreal and AlUla.
The tournament forms part of Como 1907's wider Football on the Lake summer festival, combining international football with activities and entertainment around the city.
It's a chance for supporters to watch several clubs in one of European football's most unusual settings, while enjoying everything Lake Como has to offer.
How Does the Como Cup Format Work?
The format changed for the 2026 edition, with six teams divided into two groups of three.
Each club played two 45-minute matches against the other teams in its group, with three matches taking place on each evening of the group stage.
If a match finished level, it went straight to a penalty shootout, with points awarded according to the result.
The winners of each group progressed to a 90-minute final, while the remaining teams competed in third and fifth-place play-offs, also played over 90 minutes.
In 2026, RC Lens went on to win the tournament, beating Villarreal 3-1 in the final.
For spectators, the group-stage format offered something rather different from a traditional pre-season friendly.
Instead of buying a ticket for a single match, you could watch three different fixtures in one evening, with several international clubs taking part.
It's worth checking the format before booking future editions, as the organisers may make further changes.
Arriving at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
One of the best things about attending football in Como is the stadium's location.
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia sits right beside the lake, just a short walk from Como's historic centre. Rather than travelling to an out-of-town stadium surrounded by car parks, you can approach the ground along the waterfront, with the mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.
I arrived early and took my time walking towards the stadium. It was a beautiful summer evening.
I'm used to pre-match routines involving fans chanting, programme sellers shouting "Programmes!" and bars packed with supporters. But here, I encountered something rather different.
There was a wedding taking place on the shores of the lake, seaplanes taking off for sightseeing flights, and ferries carrying tourists to villages dotted around Lake Como.
Before heading inside, I stopped for a drink at Bar Pino, just beside the stadium and next to the aero club, overlooking the lake. It's a fantastic spot for a pre-match drink, particularly if you're lucky enough to get a table outside.
It all felt rather different from a typical football matchday.
And that was before I'd even entered the stadium.
Inside the Stadium: A Football Ground With a Lake View?
Walking into Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia for the first time is quite an experience.
Security was thorough, with every bag being searched as supporters entered. My backpack was allowed inside, but I had to leave my water bottle behind. I've no complaints about the security checks themselves, although I do think supporters should be allowed to bring water into the stadium, particularly in the July Italian heat.
The stadium itself isn't particularly attractive. It's an ageing ground in need of modernisation, especially given Como's recent success. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the experience.
During my visit in July 2026, a new stand was being constructed at the western end of the ground, while the eastern stand was set well back from the pitch, rather like you'd expect at a stadium with an athletics track.
The main grandstand and the Distinti Stand, however, are much closer to the action.
For the Como Cup, I'd bought a €45 ticket in the Distinti Stand, opposite the main grandstand. My view of the pitch was excellent, with the mountains rising beyond the stadium providing a spectacular backdrop.
There was, however, one small disappointment.
I'd been looking forward to enjoying that famous lake view from my seat, but a large banner running along the back of the stand partially blocked it.
Not quite the panoramic view I'd imagined!
Of course, the stadium's location is still extraordinary, and there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate the surroundings before and after the match. But if the lake view is particularly important to you, it's worth checking photographs of the different seating areas before booking.
Food, Drinks and Facilities
There were two bars serving the Distinti Stand during my visit, and while the queues were fairly lengthy, I loved their position right beside the pitch.
It's not often you can watch the football while waiting to buy a round of drinks!
I enjoyed a La Comasca beer and a slice of pizza, which felt like a suitably Italian way to spend the evening.
There was also a merchandise stall beside the pitch, where supporters could browse Como 1907 souvenirs.
My advice would be to arrive early if you're planning to get food or drinks.
Once the stadium fills up, the queues can become quite lengthy, so it's worth allowing extra time rather than missing some of the football.
What Was the Atmosphere Like at the Como Cup?
I'll admit, when I first arrived inside Stadio Sinigaglia, the atmosphere was fairly subdued.
The stands were still relatively empty, and with Como not playing until the second and third matches of the evening, there wasn't a great deal of noise during the opening fixture.
But that gradually began to change.
As more supporters arrived, the stands filled up, flags appeared and the home fans began making themselves heard. By the time Como took to the pitch, the evening was starting to feel much more like a proper football occasion.
And then came the floodlights.
As the sun disappeared behind the mountains, Como's distinctive red-and-white floodlight towers illuminated the stadium, and the atmosphere continued to build.
There was chanting, singing and plenty of noise from the home supporters, who certainly weren't treating the tournament as just another summer friendly.
One supporter I spoke to, who had travelled all the way from Saudi Arabia to watch AlUla, summed up the surroundings rather nicely:
"Football has never been so pretty."
By the final match of the evening, I found myself imagining what a Champions League night at this stadium might be like, with Como preparing for their first campaign in the competition.
It was a remarkable transformation from the relatively quiet stadium I'd walked into earlier.
And while the football itself was enjoyable, it was the combination of the supporters, the floodlights and that extraordinary setting that made the evening so memorable.
Como Cup Tickets: How Much Do They Cost?
I paid €45 for my ticket to the 2026 Como Cup, which gave me access to three group-stage matches on the same evening. The fan zone in the city was also free to enter.
Each match lasted 45 minutes, featuring several different teams, for the price of a single ticket.
Considering the setting, the atmosphere and the opportunity to watch international clubs at Stadio Sinigaglia, I thought it represented good value.
Of course, ticket prices depend on the seating category and the particular edition of the tournament. My €45 ticket was for the Distinti Stand, opposite the main grandstand.
Where to Buy Como Cup Tickets
I'd recommend starting with the official Como 1907 ticketing website for tickets, alongside the club website for announcements about future editions and participating teams.
Before booking, there are a few things I'd check:
Which teams are playing: Check the schedule if there's a particular club you want to watch.
What your ticket includes: My 2026 ticket covered three shortened matches. Don't assume the same format will apply every year.
Where you're sitting: The Distinti Stand offered an excellent view of the pitch, although the lake view from my position was partially obstructed.
When the matches finish: Particularly important if you're planning to travel back to Milan afterwards.
When Do Como Cup Tickets Go on Sale?
For the first two editions of the Como Cup, ticket sales began in June, around five to six weeks before the tournament.
In 2025, priority sales opened on 18 June, followed by general sale on 24 June. In 2026, sales began on 19 June, with certain seating sections available to the general public immediately and others reserved for season ticket holders.
My advice would be to start checking for announcements from early June, particularly if you're hoping to attend on a specific date or watch a particular team.
The tournament takes place in late July and early August, making it an interesting addition to a summer holiday in northern Italy. Future dates and ticket arrangements will need to be confirmed by the organisers.
I'll also be following future Como Cup ticket announcements through my Sports Travel Tom Ticket Notebook, where I share ticket releases, booking advice and sporting experiences worth travelling for.
Follow Sports Travel Tom on Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates.
Football on the Lake: More Than Just a Tournament
The Como Cup isn't just about what happens inside Stadio Sinigaglia.
The tournament forms part of Como 1907's wider Football on the Lake festival, which brings football-themed activities and entertainment into the heart of the city.
During my visit, I explored the fan zone in central Como, where families and children were enjoying football games and activities. It was a lovely addition to the tournament, particularly for younger supporters who might not be quite as interested in watching three matches in one evening.
What I liked was how the festival made the football feel part of the wider Lake Como experience, rather than something happening separately inside the stadium.
You could spend the morning exploring the city, enjoy the waterfront and fan zone during the afternoon, and then head to the stadium for the evening matches.
If you're visiting Lake Como on a family summer holiday, particularly with children who love football, the Como Cup is well worth considering. The fan zone provides entertainment beyond the matches, and the shorter group-stage format offers the chance to see several different teams without committing to a full 90-minute match each time.
It's a great way to combine a family holiday in one of Italy's most beautiful destinations with a memorable football experience.
And it reinforces something I noticed throughout my visit: Como 1907 is becoming more than just a football club to watch. It's increasingly part of the reason people might choose to visit the city in the first place.
How to Get to the Como Cup
One of the great things about attending the Como Cup is how accessible Como is from Milan.
You don't necessarily need to book a hotel on Lake Como to enjoy the tournament, although I'd recommend staying longer if your schedule allows.
Travelling From Milan to Como by Train
I travelled to Como by train from Milan, and it's a straightforward journey that makes the tournament an attractive addition to a city break in northern Italy.
There are regular train services between Milan and Como, with journeys generally taking around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your departure station and service.
Como San Giovanni is a convenient station for the stadium, while Como Lago is another option for visitors heading into the waterfront area.
You could easily spend the day exploring Como before heading to the football in the evening.
One important tip: If you're planning to return to Milan after the matches, check the last train before booking your ticket. With three matches in an evening, the football can finish relatively late, and you don't want to find yourself stranded in Como.
I actually had to leave the final match a little early to catch my train back to Milan. Rather frustratingly, I then spent an hour waiting on the platform because the train was delayed.
So much for rushing out of the stadium!
Getting to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is located on the western side of Como's waterfront, within walking distance of the city centre.
From Como San Giovanni station, it's approximately a 10–15-minute walk to the stadium. From Como Lago station, allow around 15–20 minutes.
I'd recommend walking along the waterfront if you have time. It's a lovely approach to the ground, and part of what makes attending football here so different.
There's no need to arrange a taxi if you're arriving by train and are comfortable walking.
For me, that relaxed lakeside approach was one of the highlights of the whole matchday experience.
What Else Can You Do Around Lake Como?
If you're travelling to Italy for the Como Cup, my biggest recommendation would be to spend a little longer exploring Lake Como.
The football is a brilliant reason to visit, but there's so much more to experience around the lake. And if you're making the journey from the UK, it seems a shame to come all this way for just one evening at the stadium.
During my trip, I combined the Como Cup with two other adventures, both of which I'd happily recommend.
Walk the Greenway del Lago di Como
One of my favourite experiences was hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como, a scenic walking route along the western shore of the lake.
I walked from Colonno towards Griante, passing through picturesque villages, narrow cobbled streets and beautiful stretches of lakeside scenery.
It's a wonderful way to discover a quieter side of Lake Como, away from some of the busier tourist spots.
And you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it. The route is relatively accessible, although there are some uphill sections and uneven paths, particularly in the summer heat.
I've put together a complete guide to walking the Greenway, including how to get there, the route and what to expect along the way.
Try Waterbiking on Lake Como
For something a little more unusual, I also tried waterbiking near the village of Laglio.
Yes, cycling on Lake Como!
Waterbikes are specially designed bicycles mounted on floats, allowing you to pedal across the surface of the water.
It's a completely different way to experience the lake, and one that gives you a fantastic perspective of the waterfront villas and surrounding mountains.
I booked a session in Laglio and spent time exploring the lake from the water. It was great fun, and certainly one of the more unusual activities I've tried on my travels.
I've written a separate guide covering the experience, booking, prices and how to get to Laglio.
Whether you prefer hiking through lakeside villages or getting out onto the water, there's plenty to do before settling into your seat for an evening of football.
For me, combining all three experiences made Lake Como a fantastic destination for a sports and adventure trip.
Como Cup FAQs
When does the Como Cup take place?
The Como Cup is a summer pre-season football tournament held in late July and early August. The exact dates and participating teams can change each year, so check Como 1907's official announcements before planning your trip.
How much are Como Cup tickets?
I paid €45 for a ticket in the Distinti Stand in July 2026, which included three 45-minute group-stage matches. Prices and ticket inclusions may vary in future editions.
Can you visit the Como Cup from Milan?
Yes. Como is approximately 40 minutes to an hour from Milan by train, depending on the service. Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is around a 10–15-minute walk from Como San Giovanni station. If you're travelling back after the football, check the last train before booking.
Can you see Lake Como from inside the stadium?
The stadium sits right beside Lake Como, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. However, the lake itself isn't visible from every seat. During my visit, a large banner partially obstructed the view from my position in the Distinti Stand, so I'd recommend checking photographs of your seating area before booking.
Is the Como Cup Worth Attending? (Final thoughts)
I loved it.
I've been fortunate enough to experience football in some wonderful stadiums around the world, but there can't be many that offer quite the same setting as Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
The Como Cup isn't a conventional football experience. The matches are shorter, the tournament format is unusual, and the atmosphere takes a little time to build. But that's all part of understanding what you're booking.
For €45, I watched three matches featuring international clubs, enjoyed a brilliant atmosphere as the evening progressed, and experienced football in one of the most spectacular locations imaginable.
Was everything perfect? Not quite.
The stadium itself could do with some modernisation, although Como 1907 has announced ambitious redevelopment plans in partnership with the city and architects Populous.
The food and drink queues were a little lengthy, and I'd have loved a completely unobstructed view of the lake from my seat.
But none of those things would put me off returning.
What I'll remember most is watching the floodlights come on as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, with the Como supporters singing and football being played just metres from the water.
So, is this Europe's best pre-season football tournament?
I can't claim to have attended them all, but for the setting, atmosphere and overall experience, the Como Cup must be right up there.
And with the excitement surrounding Como 1907, I can only see this becoming an increasingly attractive event for football fans looking for something a little different.
If you're planning a summer trip to Lake Como, I'd seriously consider building your visit around it.
I'll continue sharing sports travel guides, ticket tips and experiences from stadiums, arenas and sporting destinations around the world here on Sports Travel Tom.
You can also follow the journey on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @sportstraveltom, where I share regular ticket updates, travel guides and sporting adventures to help you travel better for sport and adventure.
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