Sale of San Siro to Inter, AC Milan clears hurdle
AC Milan and Inter Milan have secured a significant milestone in their pursuit of stadium ownership as the Milan City Council approved the sale of the iconic San Siro stadium and surrounding land to the two clubs for €197 million ($233 million) following an intense nearly 12-hour council debate that concluded early Tuesday morning.
The approval allows AC Milan and Inter Milan to proceed with plans to demolish the 99-year-old San Siro stadium and jointly construct a modern 71,500-seat arena. The clubs have already contracted the renowned architectural firms Foster + Partners and Manica, led respectively by Lord Norman Foster and David Manica, to design the new facility. The stadium will be a centerpiece of a wider urban regeneration project spanning approximately 281,000 square meters, focused on innovation, sustainability, and enhanced fan experience.
This project marks a historic stride for both clubs, enabling them to transition from tenants to owners of a world-class venue tailored to their strategic ambitions. The new stadium will feature two large tiers inclined for optimal sightlines and meet the highest standards for accessibility and comfort, targeting an unmatched atmosphere for supporters. Both clubs emphasized the significance of this decision in a joint statement, describing the vote as a “historic and decisive step” for their futures and for Milan, promising a “new architectural icon” symbolizing global football passion.
The sale must be finalized by November 10, before the second tier of the current stadium reaches a historical milestone that would make demolition nearly impossible. The move aligns with broader goals to boost matchday revenues, upgrade facilities to modern standards, and secure Milan’s position on the international stage, potentially supporting hosting rights for UEFA competitions such as Euro 2032.
San Siro, though legendary and historic, no longer meets contemporary demands. Efforts to modernize the facility have previously stalled, prompting this joint venture to create a next-generation stadium. The planned new stadium reflects both clubs’ long-term vision for competitive and commercial growth, underpinning Milan’s urban and sporting renaissance.
With construction underway following these approvals, the Milan flagship stadium is expected to be completed by 2031, signaling a new era for Italian football and confirming AC Milan and Inter Milan’s commitment to offering fans a state-of-the-art sporting environment while revitalizing a key urban district. This curated fusion of sporting heritage and future-focused design exemplifies the clubs’ tactical and business acumen in the evolving global football landscape.