Italy: New stadium in Milan – an ambitious project by two clubs

13.02.2025 11:55 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

A new stadium with a capacity of 71,500 seats, 55,000 m² of green spaces, 72,000 m² of underground parking, and an investment exceeding €1 billion—these are the key elements of the project that Inter and Milan plan to present to the authorities of Milan regarding the future of San Siro and its surroundings.

Work on the project is underway

A team of specialists, including consultants, engineers, architects, and representatives of the clubs and their ownership funds, is working on the documentation. Daily meetings focus on refining details such as the slope of the stands, acoustics, and seat layout. The goal is to finalize the documentation within the next two weeks so that it can be submitted to city authorities between late February and early March, in line with the expectations of Mayor Giuseppe Sala.

The plan envisions constructing the new stadium on the current parking lots near San Siro, positioned perpendicular to the existing structure. The stadium is expected to accommodate around 71,500 spectators, with 13,000 seats designated for hospitality areas. According to initial plans, access to the stadium will be through a special covered structure surrounding the facility, replacing traditional gates and turnstiles. However, the design of the new stadium remains an open question. While an architectural competition is possible, the most likely candidate for the project is the American firm Populous.

What will the administrative procedures look like?

The project is already developed in its main aspects, and the coming weeks will be dedicated to its final refinements. If everything goes as planned, by early March, Inter and Milan will present their concept to the city along with the so-called feasibility document for alternative projects (Docfap), which includes an analysis of different options for the future of San Siro.

Once the documentation is submitted, the Milan authorities will evaluate the project and may—though it is not certain—announce a public tender. The next stage will be the services conference, an administrative procedure outlined in the Stadium Law, which should be completed within 18 months. If this deadline is not met, the government will have the authority to appoint a commissioner to oversee the project. If administrative procedures and potential appeals do not delay the process, construction of the new stadium in Milan could begin in early 2027, with completion expected in 2030. Once the new home stadium of Milan and Inter is completed, a partial demolition of San Siro will begin.

What will happen to the current stadium?

The plan for this historic stadium envisions transforming it into a museum. The project proposes preserving a section of the Curva Sud, the Milan supporters' stand, along with an adjacent side stand, creating an amphitheater-like structure. Within this space, additional facilities could be built, including the headquarters of Milan and Inter. Their exact location has not yet been determined, nor has the planned hotel within the complex. The entire 280,000 m² area will be developed for commercial and recreational spaces, including 55,000 m² of green areas. All parking facilities will be underground.

Costs and financing

The project's cost is estimated at between €1 billion and €1.5 billion. A portion of the amount will be covered by the clubs and their ownership funds, but the vast majority of the financing will come from loans. For this purpose, Inter and Milan are in talks with American banks J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, as well as the Italian bank Banco BPM. Other financial institutions may also become involved.

The new stadium and its accompanying commercial spaces are expected to generate significant revenue for both clubs. According to preliminary estimates, stadium-related revenue alone will increase from €80 million to over €130 million annually for each team, ensuring the financial stability of the investment and enabling loan repayment.