San Siro to be Demolished & Rebuilt

Photo by Jeremy Inson, Stadium Journey.

Nearly a century of Italian football tradition is set to be consigned to history. Milan’s legendary San Siro, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, is slated for demolition after the city council narrowly approved the sale of the stadium to both clubs. The €197 million deal passed by a slim 24–20 margin after 12 hours of heated debate.

The agreement paves the way for a sweeping €1.2 billion redevelopment that will see a brand-new, 71,500-seat stadium rise on the site’s western car park. While 90 percent of San Siro will be torn down, a heritage section of the iconic second tier will be preserved as a tribute to its legacy.

Built in 1926, San Siro has been Italy’s largest stadium, with an 80,000-seat capacity, and has hosted European finals, countless derbies, and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. AC Milan has called the venue home since day one, with Inter moving in two decades later, creating one of the world’s most unique stadium-sharing arrangements.

The new venue is targeted for completion by 2032, just in time for Italy’s co-hosting of the European Championship with Italy. UEFA regulations mean the aging San Siro no longer qualifies for such a tournament, adding urgency to the project.

Since its inaugural match on September 19, 1926, San Siro has stood as a temple of the sport. Soon, only echoes will remain.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com