It is named after Palermo magistrate and Mafia victim Paolo Borsellino.

The venue, originally thought as a velodrome which could also serve as a multi-use stadium, was completed in 1991, and hosted the 1994 UCI Track Cycling World Championships held in Palermo.

Because of the unavailability of Palermo's main stadium, Stadio La Favorita, to host open air concerts, the Velodromo Borsellino was until 2013 Palermo's primary venue for large concerts.

Over the years however, neglect by the local council due to lack of finances, as well as vandalism, have made this venue unsafe for public events.

During its days as a concert venue the Velodromo Borsellino had a maximum capacity of 30,000, including general admission on the field.