Bologna Targets 2031 Completion for 300 Million Euro Multifunctional Stadium Project
Bologna FC and BolognaFiere have agreed on plans to construct a new 35,000-seat multifunctional stadium in the Fiera district, targeting a spring 2031 completion date with an estimated investment of 300 million euros, as reported by Corriere di Bologna. The project aims to provide a modern home for the club while serving as an active venue for concerts, congresses, and trade fairs throughout the year.
Public and Private Stakeholders Fund 300 Million Euro Development
Funding for the 300 million euro development involves multiple public and private stakeholders. BolognaFiere is positioned to invest up to 100 million euros through a capital increase and the contribution of the land, which is valued at approximately 20 million euros, alongside an additional 20 million euro shareholder loan, according to Corriere di Bologna. Club president Joey Saputo plans to contribute roughly 50 million euros personally. Additional capital is expected to come from government funds tied to the Euro 2032 tournament amounting to 25 to 30 million euros, further support from local private investors, and a remaining portion covered by debt.
Bologna FC AD Claudio Fenucci emphasized the scale of the financial undertaking. “It is an important investment and it will be necessary, in addition to the commitment of BolognaFiere and Joey Saputo, to have the participation of investors who share the same vision for the development of the city,” Fenucci stated, as reported by ANSA. The club intends to operate as a tenant paying rent rather than entering the ownership structure directly. Noi siamo tifosi del Bologna e di questo progetto che è di grande valore per tutta la città, ma non facciamo parte degli investitori,
the builder Luigi Marchesini remarked, deflecting questions about joining the investor group.
Retractable Roof and Movable Pitch Enable Non-Sporting Events
The facility features an elevated entrance designed to handle the flow of spectators, with restaurants and commercial spaces situated beneath the walkway. Architectural renderings presented to club and exhibition officials show a retractable roof and a movable pitch capable of being stored or replaced with alternative flooring within an hour, according to Corriere di Bologna. The system is intended to free up the floor for non-sporting gatherings during the winter months and throughout the year.
The design concepts were developed by architect Eloy Suárez of studio Shesa alongside professor and engineer Massimo Majowiecki. “The new stadium must be infrastructure useful to Bologna FC and its fans, but also an asset for Bologna: a place alive all year round, integrated with the exhibition district and capable of expanding the city’s opportunities in sport, music, and major events,” said BolognaFiere president GianPiero Calzolari, as cited by ANSA and other financial reports.
Existing Transport Links Support 2031 Completion Timeline
The venue will occupy the northern exhibition zone in the San Donato neighborhood, which local architects and planners note benefits from existing transport links including the Michelino parking area, the highway exit, railways, and tram connections. Architect Luca Drago noted that the site avoids land consumption and urban planning changes, making the 2031 timeline realistic, as reported by Corriere di Bologna. Drago recalled that a similar project was previously pursued in the same location back in 2009 while commissioner Cancellieri was in office, though it was ultimately halted by a club ownership transition from Menarini to Porcedda. Advocating for the current initiative, Drago asserted, Se vogliamo competere con Shanghai, Tokyo e Parigi, anche come livello di entertainment, questi progetti vanno sostenuti.
Local groups have raised planning concerns alongside the project’s advancement. The municipal bicycle council, Consulta comunale della bicicletta, has criticized the current infrastructure surrounding the quadrant, asserting that a secure bike network and dedicated access routes must be integrated immediately into the planning for via Stalingrado and viale Europa, according to Corriere di Bologna.
Timeline for UEFA Submission and Euro 2032 Candidacy
The municipal administration planned to transmit the project to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on the submission deadline for Euro 2032 candidate cities, allowing Bologna to qualify for approximately 30 million euros in state funding linked to the tournament, according to ANSA. The operational phase officially opens with the submission of the preliminary plans, while the definitive cost structure and final investor list remain subject to the completion of final engineering studies.
Related reading
/data/photo/2026/09/25/6ab6a42fcb5c4.jpeg)
