Inter and AC Milan Engage Architect Firms for Stadium Approval Push

September 25, 2025

Milan Clubs Unveil Plans for State-of-the-Art Stadium

Inter and AC milan currently share the historic San Siro stadium.

Milan,Italy – In a landmark decision,Italian football powerhouses AC Milan and Inter Milan have joined forces with Foster + Partners and Manica to commence design work on a new,cutting-edge stadium. The project’s progression hinges on securing approval from the Milan City Council regarding the sale of the Great Urban Function San Siro.

A New Era for Milanese Football

This collaboration initiates the initial concept design and preliminary stages of the ambitious project. The proposed stadium, integrated into a broader urban regeneration initiative, is slated to accommodate 71,500 spectators. the move signals a decisive shift for the two clubs, aiming to modernize their home ground and boost revenue streams.

Architectural Prowess Behind the Design

manica, helmed by David Manica, brings a wealth of experience in sports venue design. Their portfolio boasts iconic structures like Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Chase Centre in San Francisco, homes to the NFL’s Raiders and the NBA’s Warriors, respectively. The firm is also currently designing the new stadium for the Chicago Bears and Miami Freedom Park, the future home of Inter miami CF.

Foster + Partners, founded by norman foster, while less focused on sports venues, possesses a distinguished track record in large-scale architectural projects, including the masterplan for the Wembley Stadium complex in London. The partnership between Manica and Foster + Partners stems from a nearly three-decade-long professional relationship, having previously collaborated on the Lusail Stadium bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Wembley Stadium’s design.

Years of Pursuit and Obstacles Overcome

The pursuit of a new stadium has been a long-standing aspiration for both Milan clubs, repeatedly encountering hurdles with local authorities. In 2021, plans for ‘The Cathedral,’ a 60,000-seat stadium on the existing San Siro site, were unveiled but afterward stalled due to protests, appeals, and municipal objections.

While exploring the possibility of separate stadiums, the clubs have now reaffirmed their commitment to a shared venue. A key driver behind this decision lies in the financial benefits of stadium ownership. Unlike many Italian clubs, Inter and AC Milan do not currently own the San Siro, missing out on substantial revenue opportunities from commercial partnerships and naming rights.

San Siro’s Legacy and Future

The San Siro has not undergone significant renovation since the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and all attempts to modernize the aging facility have failed. in August 2023, the stadium was designated a “cultural interest” site by a local heritage commission, effectively preventing its demolition and necessitating the search for an choice location.

Moreover,the San Siro is slated to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina,solidifying its preservation. This decision has further propelled the clubs towards constructing a new stadium to meet their evolving needs.

Feature	current San Siro	Proposed New Stadium
Ownership	Owned by the City of Milan	Owned by AC Milan & Inter Milan
Capacity	75,923	71,500
Last Major Renovation	1990 FIFA World Cup	New Construction

The Growing Trend of New Stadiums in European Football

The push for new,modern stadiums is a growing trend across European football. Clubs are increasingly recognizing the financial and operational benefits of owning their home venues. Recent examples include Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Allianz Arena in Munich, both of which have become major revenue generators for their respective clubs. This is further propelled by the UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations which incentivize enduring financial management, including investment in infrastructure.

Did You Know? Stadium revenue contributes significantly to a club’s overall financial health, accounting for up to 40% of total income for some of the top European teams.

Pro Tip: Stadium growth is not just about creating a venue for matches; it’s about building a multifaceted entertainment hub that can host concerts, events, and commercial activities year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Milan Stadium

• What is the current status of the San Siro stadium? The San Siro is slated to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics and cannot be demolished.
• Who are the architects involved in the new stadium design? Foster + Partners and Manica are collaborating on the design.
• What is the planned capacity of the new stadium? The new stadium is planned for a capacity of 71,500 seats.
• Why are AC Milan and Inter Milan building a new stadium? The clubs aim to increase revenue through stadium ownership and modernize their facilities.
• What obstacles have the clubs faced in their stadium plans? They have encountered resistance from local authorities and heritage commissions.
• When is the expected completion date for the new stadium? The completion date is contingent on the approval from the Milan City Council and project timelines.
• What benefits will a new stadium bring to the city of Milan? The project is part of a wider urban regeneration project and will contribute to the city’s infrastructure.

What are your thoughts on the stadium designs? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific strategies are Populous and Gensler employing to balance modern stadium functionality with the preservation of the San Siro’s historical significance?

The New San Siro: A Collaborative Effort for Approval

Inter Milan and AC Milan are intensifying their efforts to secure approval for their new stadium project,dubbed “the New San Siro,” by engaging leading architect firms to bolster their submission. This move signals a critical phase in the long-running saga surrounding the future of the iconic San Siro stadium.The current push focuses on addressing concerns raised by local authorities and heritage organizations regarding the potential demolition of the existing stadium and the impact of the new construction.

Key Architect Firms Involved

Both clubs have strategically partnered with renowned architectural practices to navigate the complex approval process. While specific firm details are frequently enough kept confidential during these stages, reports indicate involvement from:

* Populous: Known for their expertise in sports venue design, including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Allegiant stadium. Their involvement suggests a focus on modern stadium functionality and fan experience.

* Gensler: A global architecture, design, and planning firm with a strong portfolio in mixed-use developments and large-scale projects. Their contribution likely centers on integrating the stadium into the surrounding urban fabric.

* Local Italian Firms: Several Italian architectural firms specializing in historical preservation and urban planning are also reportedly assisting, crucial for addressing heritage concerns.

Addressing Heritage Concerns & Urban Integration

The primary hurdle for “The New San Siro” remains the fate of the existing San Siro stadium, a historically and culturally notable landmark. The initial plan involved complete demolition, sparking widespread opposition. The clubs have since revised their proposal, suggesting partial demolition and integration of elements of the existing structure into the new design.

Here’s how the architect firms are contributing to overcome these challenges:

1. Historical Impact assessments: Detailed assessments are being conducted to evaluate the historical and architectural significance of the current San Siro.
2. Preservation Strategies: Exploring options for preserving key architectural features, perhaps incorporating them into the new stadium’s design or relocating them to a dedicated memorial site.
3. Urban Masterplan Integration: Developing a complete urban plan that demonstrates how the new stadium will seamlessly integrate with the surrounding neighborhood, improving accessibility and public spaces.This includes traffic management plans and green space initiatives.
4. 3D Visualizations & Simulations: Creating realistic 3D models and simulations to showcase the proposed design and its impact on the surrounding surroundings.

The Stadium design: Key Features & Capacity

The proposed “New San Siro” is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of around 70,000. Key features include:

* Retractable Roof: Providing a comfortable experience for fans nonetheless of weather conditions.

* Enhanced Fan Experience: Premium seating options, improved concourses, and cutting-edge technology integration.

* Sustainable Design: Incorporating eco-pleasant materials and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact.

* Multi-Purpose Functionality: Designed to host not only football matches but also concerts, events, and othre large-scale gatherings.

* Improved Accessibility: Enhanced public transportation links and pedestrian access.

The Approval Process: Timeline & Key Stakeholders

The stadium approval process involves multiple stakeholders and several stages:

* City of Milan Planning Commission: The primary body responsible for reviewing and approving the project.

* Regional Lombardy Goverment: provides oversight and ensures compliance with regional planning regulations.

* Superintendency for Architectural Heritage: Evaluates the impact on cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

* Local Community Groups: Representing the interests of residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

The current timeline anticipates a final decision by late 2025, with construction potentially begining in early 2026. Delays are possible, notably if significant revisions to the design are required to address stakeholder concerns.

Financial Implications & Funding Models

The project is estimated to cost around €800 million. Funding is expected to come from a combination of sources:

* Private Investment: Primarily from Inter Milan and AC Milan.

* Bank Loans: Securing financing from leading financial institutions.

* Public Funding: A limited amount of public funding might potentially be considered, contingent on the project’s economic and social benefits.

case Study: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – A Model for Success

The progress of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium provides a valuable case study for Inter and AC Milan. Tottenham successfully navigated a complex planning process, incorporating community engagement and innovative design solutions. Key takeaways include:

* Early Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and collaboration with local residents and authorities.

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