Italy: Milan has submitted the documents and is waiting for the city's decision

06.10.2023 10:00 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Maciek Ściłba

AC Milan authorities have been taking increasingly decisive steps in recent weeks to allow the construction of a new venue to begin. Following the selection of the company that will design the stadium, the first required documents have been submitted before the start of the project.

Milan close to starting construction of its new stadium

The year 2023 brought a breakthrough regarding the creation of a new Rossoneri arena. After debating for quite a long time where the structure should be erected, a decision was finally reached. A consortium of RedBird Capital Partners signed an agreement with SportLifeCity in the spring, which resulted in them acquiring a large plot of land in the village of San Donato Milanese. The land is nearly 15 km. from the centre of Milan, but lies on two expressways. The Aeroporto di Milano-Linate airport is also nearby.

Having acquired the land for the new stadium, RedBird Capital Partners has submitted the relevant documents to the municipality of San Donato. The request for permission to start the project includes a preliminary plan to build a 70,000-seat facility. The letter submitted does not yet include the final design of the arena. The Milan authorities have decided that Nuovo Stadio Milano concept prepared by the architectural firm Populous will not be implemented. It will be dealt with by another renowned firm, Manica Architecture. More information on the background to this choice can be found here.

Milan plans to build a stadium. What about Inter?

Until now, the existing plans were for AC Milan and Inter to move together to a modern arena. Currently, all indications are that after many years of sharing San Siro, the two clubs are facing an informal divorce. At the moment, there is still no certain information regarding what the Nerazzurri will decide on. There is speculation that they may build a modern facility in Rozzano on the outskirts of Milan. For the time being, they will be able to play at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza unhindered, especially as the iconic structure will not be demolished even after both teams move out. All thanks to legal provisions. San Siro's second ring is approaching its 70th year of existence, which gives it protected status, thus preventing its demolition.

Construction of Milan's new stadium is expected to begin by the end of 2025. Work is to take three to four years. The facility, designed by studio Manica, is to be multifunctional and serve not only football matches but also cultural events such as concerts. In addition, there would be a club shop, as well as a museum on the history of the Rossoneri with an area of at least 300 square metres. Around the structure would be a recreational area for fans and nearby residents. The venue would also be on the list of host arenas for UEFA Euro 2032, whose organisers are likely to be Turkey and Italy.