The iconic San Siro stadium, home to Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan, is set to be demolished following the Milan City Council's approval of its sale to the two clubs. The decision, reached after extensive negotiations and a marathon city council session, paves the way for the construction of a new, modern stadium in the San Siro area.
The approved sale involves the acquisition of the San Siro area by Inter and AC Milan for €197 million (£167m). The clubs have committed to investing €1.2 billion in the construction of a new stadium and a comprehensive fan-focused recreational district. This district will encompass the stadium, a museum, shops, hotels, and football fields. Architectural firms Foster & Partners and Manica have been entrusted with the redevelopment project. Foster & Partners will handle the urban planning, while Manica will oversee the stadium's construction.
The new stadium, with a planned capacity of 71,500 seats, is expected to be ready by 2031, in time for the European Championship in 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. The current plan is to demolish approximately 91% of the existing San Siro, including the first and third tier stands and a portion of the second tier. The remaining sections will be preserved and transformed into a park and pedestrian walkways, serving as a lasting tribute to the stadium's legacy.
The decision to demolish the San Siro has been met with mixed reactions. While the clubs and city officials tout the economic benefits of the new development, many fans and preservationists lament the loss of a historic landmark. Concerns have also been raised regarding the future use of the land, particularly with both Inter and AC Milan being owned by US investment funds. There are fears that the land could be sold for profit in the future.
The San Siro, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has been a symbol of Italian football since its opening in 1926. It has hosted numerous significant events, including World Cup matches and Champions League finals. Despite renovations for the 1990 World Cup, the stadium has fallen behind modern European venues in terms of technology and amenities. Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta stated that the demolition is necessary to prevent Milan from becoming "marginal in the football landscape".
The sale of the San Siro area must be finalized before November 10, the date when a public building protection order would make demolishing the stadium more difficult. The approved project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including over 16,000 jobs by 2035, £2.7 billion in economic growth, and £1.2 billion in GDP.
