San Siro: Demolition, New Stadium & Key Dates

The clock is ticking for inter and AC Milan! Both clubs have a firm deadline of November 10th to make their initial payment of 73 million euros for the iconic Giuseppe Meazza stadium.This crucial date marks the beginning of a monumental shift for the city’s football landscape, paving the way for the demolition of the current venue and the construction of a state-of-the-art replacement right next door.

The frist major hurdle is the official deed of sale. By November 10th, both clubs must have their internal ducks in a row, including securing the necessary funds, to finalize the purchase. The total price tag for the stadium and surrounding land? A cool 197 million euros.Once the ink is dry on the purchase agreement, that initial 73 million euro installment is due to the municipality. Mark your calendars,because November 10th isn’t just any date; it’s the 70th anniversary of the stadium’s final testing. This date is critical because it lifts the historical architectural restrictions on the stadium’s second tier, imposed by the Superintendency.If, for any reason, the clubs can’t close the deal by this deadline, the sale is off the table – no second chances!

The Architectural Vision

Following the sale’s finalization, the spotlight will shift to the architectural proposals from manica and Foster + Partners. These renowned firms are tasked with designing the new stadium,which is slated to hold approximately 71,500 fans,a slight decrease from the current capacity. This phase will be pivotal in defining the stadium’s design, technical specifications, and its commitment to sustainability. Get ready for some exciting renderings to emerge during this period! Once the blueprints are ready, the project must navigate the complex Services Conference, a gauntlet involving the Municipality, the Region, environmental agencies, and other public bodies. However, expect a wave of legal challenges from various committees and associations, which could possibly throw a wrench in the timeline.

Building and Demolishing a Legacy

Assuming the administrative and legal processes proceed without major roadblocks, construction of the new stadium is expected to kick off in the first half of 2027. It will rise in the parking area adjacent to the current Meazza. During this construction phase, Milan will be a city with two stadiums – the historic san Siro still in operation and the brand-new facility under construction. Inter and Milan’s enterprising timeline projects four years of work, with the grand opening of the new stadium slated for 2031. For a period, Milan will boast both the historic Meazza, likely repurposed for concerts, and the cutting-edge stadium for matches. However, this dual-stadium era will be short-lived. As the new stadium opens its doors, the demolition of the old San Siro will commence. Between 2032 and 2035, the area occupied by the Meazza will be redeveloped, incorporating other new structures. Only a portion of the old stadium will remain: a piece of the southeast corner, a section of the orange grandstand, and the south curve, which are slated to become a museum, preserving a tangible link to the stadium’s storied past.

Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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