Inter Milan and AC Milan’s Plans for a New Stadium at San Siro Site Gain Momentum
The hopes for a new stadium at the iconic San Siro site in Milan received a significant boost recently, as Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, expressed optimism about selling the venue to the two football clubs before the summer.
In an interview with RTL 102.5, Sala revealed that he is anticipating a formal feasibility study and purchase offer from both Inter Milan and AC Milan. Once these documents are received, he plans to present them to the city council for approval.
For years, both clubs have been eager to replace the aging San Siro with a modern facility. After reviving a joint stadium project that was originally shelved in 2023 due to bureaucratic obstacles, a new plan has been put forward. The proposed project, valued at €1.3 billion, includes a partial demolition of San Siro and the development of green spaces, sports facilities, and entertainment venues on the site.
The centerpiece of the plan is a new stadium with a seating capacity of over 70,000, located west of the current San Siro ground. The clubs are looking to purchase the land for the new stadium rather than renting it.
Credit: Sempre Millan
While the plans are ambitious, construction will not commence until after the 2026 Winter Olympics, as San Siro is slated to host the opening ceremony for the event.
Mayor Sala and the clubs are eager to finalize the sale this year to avoid potential hurdles. A building protection order coming into effect in 2025 would obstruct the demolition of San Siro’s second tier if the site remains under public ownership.
However, the proposed sale has faced criticism from some city councillors who accuse Sala of bypassing local democracy to push through the deal. Concerns have been raised about the economic and political ramifications of allowing the clubs to leave the city, with estimates suggesting a loss of €7 million in annual rent and an unused stadium left behind.
Despite the pushback, both Inter and AC Milan have been exploring alternative locations. AC Milan has acquired land in San Donato Milanese, while Inter has been considering sites in Rozzano and Assago.
City council sources suggest that the clubs’ American owners, Oaktree and RedBird, are unlikely to relocate. As a result, the upcoming vote on the sale of San Siro will be crucial in determining the stadium’s future.
Concerns have also been raised by fans who fear that a new stadium could lead to higher ticket prices, particularly if luxury hospitality areas replace regular seating. San Siro currently accommodates over 70,000 spectators per match, and supporters are anxious about potential changes to the matchday experience.
