Italy: Big plans and controversy surrounding new Como stadium
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Jakub Ducki
The construction of the new Como 1907 stadium is fast approaching. The Populous project arouses excitement and hope, but also provokes protests from residents. Will the city manage to combine its vision of sporting success with the needs of local residents?
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Stadium project ready for launch
All signs indicate that Como 1907 is well on the way to realising its dream of a modern stadium. The international studio Populous, known for projects such as Wembley, among others, has completed the plans for the new facility. The documentation has been handed over to the city authorities on schedule and the official presentation of the project is expected to take place in the coming days.
The stadium project involves the construction of a multi-purpose sports arena to replace the run-down Stadio Sinigaglia. As the club's general manager Francesco Terrazzani stresses, the facility is not only to serve sport, but also to bring economic and social benefits to the entire region. We want a stadium that will be alive 24 hours a day, and that this can also have a positive economic and social impact on the whole area
Terrazzani pointed out in an interview with Radio Rai.
© Vale93b | The stadium in Como is one of the worst in the Italian league.
Stable financial foundations
There is a solid financial foundation behind the project. The Como 1907 club is owned by Indonesian billionaires Robert and Michael Hartono, whose fortunes are valued at $26.5 billion and $25.5 billion respectively. For the club's owners, spending €30-40 million to build a stadium is not a problem, and this amount could be doubled if additional development around the venue were allowed.
The Hartono brothers' passion for football and their financial commitment have already produced visible results. Thanks to their investments, Como 1907 returned to Serie A after 21 years. Despite the club's negative financial balance sheet (€47.7 million at the end of June 2024), the determination to build sporting and organisational success is evident. Como is at the moment balancing above the relegation zone, but at the same time an interesting team project is being built all the time.
© Vale93b | The club belongs to billionaires who are willing to invest significant amounts in a new stadium.
Controversy surrounding Corridoni school
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the plans to build a new stadium. The project included a proposal to demolish the Corridoni primary school in via Sinigaglia, to make room for a fan car park. The decision sparked outrage among parents.
The Parents‘ Committee Como a misura di famiglia
reacted strongly to the reports, describing them as an insult to families.
The silence of the municipal administration, which neither confirms nor denies these rumours in a timely manner, is another affront to families who need clear and reliable planning for their children's future
the statement stressed.
Parents point out that the Corridoni school plays a key role in the area, being linked to the nursery and middle schools. Furthermore, the city had until recently planned to use the building as an alternative to another school as part of a reorganisation of the education system. The decision on whether to approve the stadium project now lies in the hands of the Como municipality and Mayor Alessandro Rapinese.
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