Milan's City Council has approved the sale of the legendary Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as San Siro, along with its surrounding land to AC Milan and FC Internazionale for €197 million. The decision, reached after nearly 12 hours of intense debate on September 29-30, 2025, paves the way for the demolition of most of the century-old stadium and the construction of a state-of-the-art replacement facility.
The new stadium will be designed by the prestigious architectural partnership of Foster + Partners, led by renowned British architect Norman Foster, in collaboration with MANICA Architecture. Their ambitious design proposal features a modern two-tier stadium with a capacity of 71,500 seats, carefully balancing cutting-edge fan experience with operational efficiency. The project extends far beyond just replacing the football venue, as both Milan clubs plan to transform approximately 281,000 square meters of the surrounding district into a comprehensive mixed-use urban development.
This expansive redevelopment will include public spaces, retail establishments, hospitality venues, and community facilities, positioning the new San Siro as a multi-functional hub integrated into Milan's urban fabric. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the grand opening targeted for 2031. This timeline strategically aligns with Italy's role as co-host of the European Championship in 2032, ensuring Milan can showcase its new world-class football stadium on the continental stage.
While the majority of the historic San Siro will be demolished to make way for the new facility, city planners and architects have committed to preserving important elements of the stadium's heritage. A significant portion of the second tier, which holds particular architectural and historical value, is expected to be retained as a memorial fragment. This thoughtful approach acknowledges the stadium's immense cultural significance and provides a tangible connection between Milan's football past and its future.
The urgency behind the City Council's decision stems partly from Italian heritage protection laws. By November 2025, the second ring of San Siro will reach its 70th anniversary, at which point it could automatically fall under strict cultural protection regulations. By completing the sale and formalizing redevelopment plans before this crucial date, the clubs secure greater flexibility to redesign the facility without facing potentially restrictive heritage preservation requirements.
The replacement of San Siro represents Milan's broader ambition to cement its status as a leading global city. The project follows a growing trend among major European capitals, where football clubs are reimagining their stadiums as comprehensive multi-use facilities that serve as integral components of the urban landscape rather than isolated sports venues. For both AC Milan and Inter Milan, this move represents a crucial strategic investment in their long-term competitiveness and global appeal.
Both clubs have long sought modern infrastructure that matches their prestigious international status and storied histories. Beyond generating revenue from matchday operations, the new development is expected to create sustained income streams through year-round entertainment programming, retail operations, and tourism initiatives. The project positions both Milan clubs to compete more effectively in the modern football landscape while contributing significantly to the city's economic and cultural development.
