September 27 – AC Milan and Internazionale have unveiled two shortlisted designs for a new 60,000-seat stadium next to their iconic San Siro home.
“AC Milan and FC Internazionale have shared a stadium in San Siro for more than 70 years,” said AC Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni. “The project’s strength is the two club’s commitment together for the new Milano stadium.”
The plans include renovating the San Siro area and the clubs have submitted a feasibility study to their municipality. The new stadium is expected to cost €650 million and take three years to build. The clubs say a fan consultation process will take place.
“It means increased investments and a common goal to give the city a sports and entertainment district which is alive all year round thanks to events involving both teams and creating jobs for more than 3,500 people.”
The clubs have opted against renovating the San Siro, which would have cost an estimated £450 million. That would entail a loss of £102 million in revenue during construction, taken five to six years to complete, and have had a lower capacity than the new stadium.
The current ground is owned by the city and was opened in 1926, with AC Milan taking up residence straight away. In 1947 Inter Milan also took residence and ever since the clubs have shared the ground. Situated in Milan’s west it rises like a colossal spaceship from the ground, but despite some of its impressive features the stadium has long been in need of refurbishment.
In the past Milan mayor Beppe Sala indicated that he would be in favour of a redevelopment for San Siro rather than a brand-new ground, cautioning against the huge price tag that a new stadium would inevitably carry.
“Building a new stadium will be a very expensive undertaking, but I don’t want to influence anything,” said Sala in June. “I’m waiting to see the proposal from Inter and Milan. Hopefully it’ll arrive before the holidays. In my opinion, San Siro is a wonderful facility.”
Contact the writer if this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1730583176labto1730583176ofdlr1730583176owedi1730583176sni@o1730583176fni1730583176