On December 9, Roma Nuoto sent an official letter to the city demanding a response within five days to finalize the administrative procedure for selecting a modernization project for Stadio Flaminio.

Lazio president hopes for support and streamlined bureaucracy

In response, Lazio will present a 200-page preliminary feasibility study this Friday at 10:00 AM in the Capitoline Hill. Claudio Lotito, Lazio's owner, had initially set December 15 as the deadline, but the process has been expedited. Lotito remains confident about overcoming obstacles despite opposition from the Music for Rome Foundation, which oversees the nearby Auditorium. He stated, I am not concerned with what they included in their 2023 balance sheet. I have been working for months with conservationists, and soon you will see a project that meets all urban and architectural requirements.

Lazio's proposal must clear regulatory hurdles and gain approval from both the Soprintendenza (heritage authority) and municipal authorities. Lotito is relying on recently proposed legislation designed to simplify stadium modernization procedures. The new law includes streamlined administrative processes, economic incentives, and the creation of a national fund for such projects, aimed at bypassing Italy's notorious bureaucratic delays.

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Benefits for Lazio and the city of Rome

The plan involves collaboration with local institutions, including universities and the Nervi family, to ensure that the renovation preserves the historical identity of Flaminio and its surroundings. The goal is to transform this part of Rome into a modern hub that attracts residents and tourists alike, while also boosting local property values. The project includes infrastructure improvements to reduce parking burdens and minimize traffic congestion.

For Lazio, the new stadium represents a chance to overcome decades of financial constraints and join Europe's football elite. For Rome, it offers an opportunity to revitalize a neglected area and create a multifunctional venue capable of hosting prestigious sports and cultural events. Months ago, a preliminary agreement was signed with Legends, an international firm affiliated with ASM Global, which has worked on Stadio Flaminio in the past. A detailed business plan is also in development. Legends will oversee ticket sales, merchandising, and retail operations, while also seeking sponsorship. Emirates has already expressed interest in supporting the project.

Estimated to cost €250-300 million, the project aims to create state-of-the-art infrastructure modeled after Real Madrid’s approach. Lotito proposes a stadium with a capacity of 45,000–49,000 seats, featuring a retractable roof to reduce noise levels, an essential consideration for concerts and cultural events.

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