Inter and
The ambitious development, which carries a price tag of 1.2 billion euros, aims to modernise the matchday experience while attempting to preserve the unique atmosphere associated with the current site. Construction is slated to commence in 2028, following the clubs' 197 million euro acquisition of the existing stadium and its surrounding parking facilities.
Architectural Vision and Fan Experience
Renowned architect Norman Foster, who collaborated on the project alongside stadium specialist David Manica, described the structural vision as a building that remains low in the body while rising at either end behind the goals. A primary focus of the design is proximity, with the stands positioned at a steep 37-degree incline to ensure spectators are as close to the pitch as possible. Manica noted that the intention is for fans to feel as though they are sitting directly on the grass, fostering a sense of intimacy that mirrors the feeling of the original San Siro.
Acoustics also played a central role in the design process. The roof is engineered to cover all seating areas while leaving the pitch exposed, a configuration specifically intended to amplify the roar of the crowd. Beyond football, the venue is designed to be a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting rugby matches, American football games, and major concerts. The stadium will feature a capacity of 71,500 seats, a slight reduction from the 75,000 capacity of the current Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Transitioning from a Concrete Cathedral
The current San Siro, often referred to as a concrete cathedral, has served as a landmark of European football since its opening in 1926. Despite various renovations over the decades, the clubs have determined that the aging structure no longer meets modern requirements for spectators or professional operations. Once the new project nears completion, the historic stadium is expected to be largely demolished.
Foster and Manica, who previously collaborated on the redevelopment of London’s Wembley Stadium, emphasised that the project is designed to ensure the new venue lives and breathes with the supporters. By carrying the spirit of the San Siro into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, the clubs hope to maintain the intensity that has defined their home matches for nearly a century.
