The modernization of Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna has stalled. The project, launched eight years ago by the club in cooperation with the city, aimed to modernize the historic venue, but financial problems, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and international tensions, have nearly doubled the estimated costs.

Missing €80 million

Instead of the initial €110 million budget (with €40 million to be contributed by the city), current projections exceed €200 million, accounting for the need to build a temporary stadium at Caab during works on Andrea Costa street. The public-private partnership was technically sound, and construction could proceed if funds were available. The problem is the missing €80 million, which the club owner, Saputo, is unwilling to finance personally. Mayor Matteo Lepore hoped for support from the Italian government as part of preparations for Euro 2032, but the likelihood of quickly receiving funds is minimal.

© Bologna FC, GAU Arena

The architect speaks out

The Dall’Ara modernization project was designed by Gino Zavanelli, a world-renowned architect behind numerous sports venues in Italy and abroad. He notes that since the project began, the context has significantly changed – not only in the city but in the global sports environment. The project started in January 2016 alongside a new fashion district in Bologna. Later, the city joined the partnership, and then the COVID-19 pandemic struck. In the meantime, the mayor and government changed, practically altering everything.

According to Zavanelli, stadium projects in Italy rarely proceed without obstacles – the Allianz Stadium being a notable exception. Bureaucracy, politics, administrative hurdles, commissions, and complex procedures often prolong project timelines, which may not align with actual needs. Construction costs have risen dramatically, and after ten years, the stadium could already be outdated. Both modernization and building a new stadium have advantages – a new stadium would better meet modern club needs, while renovation would require adapting Bologna’s requirements to the project’s limitations and the city’s wishes.

Zavanelli suggests that accelerating decisions would require legislation guaranteeing fast-track approval for priority projects, such as World Cup, Euro, or Olympic investments, within 30 days with set deadlines. In other countries, such procedures are standard, allowing for efficient execution of large sports projects.

© Bologna FC, GAU Arena

Conflicts and the stadium’s future

Due to financial difficulties, a Plan B is being considered – a smaller, cheaper modernization leaving the 1990 World Cup steel structure intact. The cost is estimated at €80–90 million, but it would be a provisional solution with no long-term development potential.

Club owners and city authorities are still evaluating options. Plan B has not been approved, and building a new stadium elsewhere is no longer considered unrealistic. Potential sites include Caab, with good transport links and infrastructure, where a new stadium could cost around €180 million while keeping full investor control. The old Dall’Ara could be redeveloped into a residential-student complex with a park, utilizing the previously allocated €40 million.