We now know which stadium concept will be implemented in the capital of Sardegna. Cagliari Calcio announced the winner of both the public consultation and technical/environmental evaluation.

As confirmed on Monday, Cagliari Calcio has identified in the Sportium consortium as preferred bidder for the definitive and executive design of the new home for the red and blue supporters. Now the club and winning consortium will engage in negotiations to sign the contract.

© Cagliari Calcio

Technical details, as well as financial ones, need to be agreed upon. Once the contract is signed, we should expect complete documentation of the stadium to be delivered. According to Cagliari's official statement, it should be ready by the end of 2018.

It should be noted that selection of Sportium as the preferred finalist followed extensive consultation with the public. First, fans and residents were invited for a public exhibition at the temporary Sardegna Arena, next to Stadio Sant'Elia, where the new venue will be built. In 9 days some 5,000 people came to see it.

© Cagliari Calcio

Both on site and online supporters of Cagliari were able to express their opinions about the three finalists and the bid from Sportium was selected as preferred, just as it did in the club's own evaluation. Of course Cagliari were most interested in technical aspects, compliance with the club's needs and environmental impact.

Sportium encloses partners Progetto CMR, iDeas, B&L Real Estate and Manica Architecture, belonging to the American David Manica, archistar who has put his signature on the projects of stadiums and arenas all over the world.

© Cagliari Calcio

The other two finalist projects were presented by Tractebel Engie with Gau Arena and J+S with One Works. Before the formal assignment of the task, a necessary phase of in-depth analysis with the chosen group now begins, aimed at defining all the contractual and operational aspects.

In its final shape, the stadium should hold 25,000 people with room for expansion to some 30,000 in the future.