A few days ago, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bosco dello Sport complex, which will include a new football stadium, took place. The event was attended by the Mayor of Venice, the Minister for Sport and Youth, and numerous representatives from various sectors of society.

Beginning a nearly two-year project

Nuovo stadio di Venezia will hold 18,500 spectators, with the option to expand to 25,000, and will be part of a larger, multifunctional complex. Designed as a versatile venue, it will house a fan museum, fitness centers, and a roof equipped with photovoltaic panels, highlighting its eco-friendly approach. The stadium will host football and rugby matches, as well as concerts and other events.

The official start of construction on October 21 marks the beginning of a roughly 20-month build, with completion and inauguration scheduled for spring 2027.

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A stadium in harmony with its surroundings

The stadium’s design draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Its curving shapes follow the masterplan layout, echoing nearby sports facilities. The outline of the stadium aligns with the organic lines of its context, with an elegant, minimalist structure that blends into Bosco dello Sport, like a pavilion in a garden. The sinuous shape of the stands recalls the lagoon’s waves and symbolizes the ring traditionally cast into the waters during the Sposalizio del Mare ceremony.

The geometry reflects a desire for the stadium to integrate deeply into the city’s fabric. Its façade features a rhythmic arrangement of vertical elements that rise upward, forming a kind of curtain over the stands. This design makes the structure feel light and spacious while allowing views of the arena from outside. A semi-circular podium surrounds the stadium, accommodating entrances, player areas, parking, and other facilities.

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High standards

The seating bowl rises in a semi-continuous form on three sides — south, east, and north — designed for optimal sightlines. Its compact and monumental layout brings fans closer to the pitch, enhancing the atmosphere. The western stand will be dedicated to VIPs, offering premium experiences aligned with the standards of top European stadiums.

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Investment and costs

The total cost of Bosco dello Sport is estimated at around €315 million. The concession fee alone, €340,000 annually for forty years, will total €121 million, in addition to regular and extraordinary operating costs, not including special projects such as gyms or the museum. The club’s business plan assumes it will spend 60% of this period in Serie A, although it has yet to return. The city of Venice has reserved a profit-sharing clause if club revenues exceed certain thresholds in particularly successful seasons. The stadium itself costs €92.3 million, with €47 million from the city’s budget surplus and €45 million financed through a new loan. Funding comes from both municipal and public sources.