Inter and AC Milan Cancel San Siro Demolition For New Stadium
Due to the new plans, UEFA has re-opened the bidding process to stage the 2027 Champions League final after stripping San Siro Stadium of the hosting rights.
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After thorough consideration, AC Milan and Inter Milan have officially abandoned their plans to renovate the legendary San Siro stadium. Despite initial efforts to explore redevelopment options, the clubs determined that modernizing the venue was not financially feasible, leading them to pursue alternative solutions.
Rather than renovating the existing San Siro, the clubs now plan to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium in the same area. This decision allows the teams to continue playing in the iconic Milan neighbourhood while upgrading to a modern venue that can better serve their commercial and fan engagement needs.
One key factor in the decision to scrap renovation efforts was the high cost and impracticality of updating an old structure like the San Siro. Additionally, local heritage restrictions played a significant role, as the stadium was deemed culturally significant, preventing demolition and further complicating any redevelopment efforts.
Both AC Milan and Inter Milan view the construction of a new stadium as vital to their long-term financial health. By owning their new stadium, the clubs can significantly increase their commercial revenues through matchday income, sponsorships, naming rights, and hosting events, a model successfully adopted by other top European clubs.
The two Serie A giants envision a future where they co-own a new, cutting-edge stadium that serves as their home ground. This joint venture underscores the clubs' commitment to staying competitive on the global stage, offering fans a modern, world-class venue while preserving the shared history and rivalry between the teams.
The saga surrounding the future of the San Siro has been lengthy, with several different ideas floated over the years. The clubs had previously considered demolishing the stadium, relocating to different areas, and building a new venue altogether. The latest plan represents the culmination of years of debate, negotiation, and planning.
Gerry Cardinale, AC Milan’s owner, has brought an ambitious American-style vision to the project. His goal is to not only build a soccer stadium but to create a broader live event and entertainment campus, blending sports, music, and fan experiences. Cardinale believes Milan is the ideal city for such a venture, given its cultural and entertainment significance.
If AC Milan and Inter Milan succeed in their plans, the new stadium would be the first soccer arena built in Italy since Juventus opened their Allianz Stadium in 2011. This highlights the stagnation in stadium infrastructure development across Italian football and signals a potential turning point for the sport in the country.
The clubs are now focusing on the financial and legal feasibility of purchasing the areas surrounding the San Siro from the city of Milan. They aim to become the owners of the land and the old stadium, repurposing the site while retaining some of its cultural significance. An economic assessment is underway, which will help determine the cost and scope of the project.
The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, acknowledged that building a new stadium in Italy is notoriously difficult due to bureaucratic and regulatory challenges. This complexity has delayed the project for years, but the new plan, which avoids renovation in favour of fresh construction, may finally move the clubs closer to their long-awaited new home.
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