They did the same in ancient Rome, Lucia says-since many people only worked mornings, the games took place in the afternoon. Floodlights because it’s evening-the match is being played after most people finish work.
Even the lighting is the same-the Colosseum had a retractable sunshade for spectators, Lucia tells us, while the sun blazed down on the fighters in the Stadio Olimpico, the seating is covered, with floodlights on the pitch. The next morning while touring the Colosseum, Lucia points out the gleaming white-marble seats for the Roman senators, closest to the arena floor for the best views.