Joint decision to design new San Siro

AC Milan and Inter confirmed a watershed step in their long-term plan to reimagine the San Siro. The joint decision to design a new stadium marks a shift toward a modern, commercially viable home. This is part of the San Siro stadium redevelopment, with a focus on accessibility, transport, and sustainability. Foster + Partners and MANICA will lead a hybrid design that respects the site’s history while delivering a bold 21st-century venue. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta underscored the need to enhance the matchday experience, expand capacity where feasible, and create sophisticated spaces for sponsors, media, and fans. The final footprint and budget will follow city approvals and community input, with potential disruption during construction. The plan could reshape Milan’s football economy and branding, making the stadium a flagship for domestic and European events. Official updates will come from the clubs and their design teams, and readers can monitor progress via the firms’ pages and city communications. Foster + Partners and MANICA will guide the process.

A watershed moment for Milan’s football future

The announcement signals an ambitious reimagining of the teams’ home environment. It places the San Siro stadium redevelopment at the forefront of Milan’s sports strategy. The move aims to deliver a venue that appeals to fans, sponsors, and broadcasters alike. The two clubs will pursue a design that blends iconic silhouette with contemporary functionality. Accessibility, comfort, and safety will shape the core requirements. City authorities will review heritage and building rules as part of the approvals. Stakeholders across Milan will watch how the project balances tradition with innovation. The result could set a benchmark for Italian football venues.

Hybrid design approach blends history with modernity

The chosen architects plan a hybrid solution, marrying global expertise with Italian sensibilities. Foster + Partners brings cutting-edge technology and adaptable spaces. MANICA contributes deep experience in sports venues and local context. The design emphasizes flexible seating, enhanced circulation, and premium sponsor zones. It also prioritizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and reduced emissions. Visual language will honor the site’s history while introducing a strong architectural statement. The collaboration aims to minimize disruption through phased planning and clear community engagement.

Architects selected: Foster + Partners and MANICA

AC Milan and Inter have named Foster + Partners and MANICA to lead the stadium’s design team. The blend of a London-based global practice and an Italian specialist signals a hybrid approach with both innovation and local insight. Foster + Partners is renowned for integrating technology with bold, globe-spanning designs, while MANICA has a long track record in Italian sports venues. The collaboration aims to deliver a stadium that meets Europe’s top standards for competition, broadcasting, and events. The team will work on sightlines, bowl geometry, and facilities that enhance revenue opportunities. The appointment is a milestone that could attract modern sponsorship ecosystems and media partnerships.

A blend of global innovation and Italian expertise

The architects’ pedigree offers a balance between ambition and practicality. Foster + Partners brings advanced digital modeling, sustainability strategies, and cutting-edge hospitality concepts. MANICA contributes regional knowledge, practical construction methods, and a deep understanding of Italian football culture. Together, they plan to create flexible spaces that can host league games, European ties, and non-football events. The aim is to produce a design that is both visually compelling and commercially viable. Public consultations will refine the concept as the project progresses.

Design philosophy and early priorities

Early priorities include accessibility, transport integration, and a footprint that respects the existing urban fabric. The design team will pursue energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilient materials. Fan flows, concourses, and premium areas will be reimagined for modern standards. The project also seeks to maximize commercial revenue without compromising identity. Final capacity and budget will emerge from the approvals process and stakeholder input. The collaboration emphasizes transparency and adaptive planning to meet changing conditions.

Implications for Milan and Inter

The new home could redefine how Milanese clubs engage with fans and sponsors. A modern stadium supports higher matchday revenue, enhanced broadcasting facilities, and a more compelling live experience. The San Siro stadium redevelopment aims to attract top European competition and non-football events, broadening revenue streams for both clubs. A refreshed venue could strengthen Milan’s standing in European football and improve long-term competitiveness. The design intent centers on a venue that serves as a city-wide anchor for sport, culture, and commerce.

Matchday experience, revenue, and competitiveness

Improved hospitality, larger sponsorship footprints, and cutting-edge media facilities are central to the plan. A modern concourse and premium areas will boost per-capita spend and renew fan loyalty. The redevelopment is also seen as a platform to attract events beyond football, such as concerts and conferences. These opportunities could unlock new revenue streams and offset rising operating costs. The stadium’s ability to stage European ties will reinforce the clubs’ competitiveness on the continent.

Capacity, footprint, and logistics

Capacity increases are contemplated within a footprint that respects the historic envelope. The teams will coordinate with Milan’s transport networks, including metro and tram links. Accessibility improvements will widen inclusion for disabled fans and families. The project will aim to improve parking, cycling routes, and pedestrian access. Urban mobility strategies will seek to reduce congestion on match days. Logistics planning will be crucial to minimize disruption during construction and operation.

Fan and city impact

The San Siro stadium redevelopment promises tangible benefits for fans and the broader city. Enhanced accessibility, better transport links, and sustainable design can elevate the experience of attending matches and events. The project also carries urban renewal potential, with improved public spaces and longer-term economic activity around the venue. The collaboration between clubs and city authorities will be critical to delivering benefits while mitigating disruption.

Accessibility, transport, and sustainability

Fan access will be significantly improved through widened pedestrian zones, better wayfinding, and enhanced transit options. Transport networks will be integrated to handle peak demand around events. The design prioritizes energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and low-emission operations. Water management and waste reduction will be central to the sustainability plan. The goal is a stadium that serves as a model for responsible, urban-friendly development.

Community engagement and disruption management

Community consultation will shape the final plan. The developers expect some disruption during construction and will publish mitigation plans. Local businesses and residents will be engaged through regular updates and meetings. The project seeks to maximize public benefit, possibly including new public spaces and better access to transport. Building a social license will be essential for long-term success.

Project timeline and next steps

The timeline depends on approvals, consultations, and market conditions. Early milestones include environmental assessments, urban planning permissions, and heritage reviews. The process will involve city authorities, fans, and sponsors. Timely decisions will accelerate the design and feasibility work. The intent is to establish a clear path toward construction while incorporating feedback from all stakeholders.

Approvals, consultation, and milestones

Approval from city authorities is a gatekeeper. Environmental and heritage reviews will shape constraints and opportunities. Public consultations will refine the concept and address concerns. Achieving consensus on key milestones will be critical for momentum. The clubs will publish progress updates to maintain transparency.

Construction roadmap and potential timelines

After approvals, a phased construction plan will guide delivery. Partial use of the venue could occur during build-out to avoid long downtime. The schedule depends on funding, public support, and political backing. The aim is to deliver a flagship stadium that anchors Milan’s sports economy for decades. The San Siro stadium redevelopment represents a bold step for Italian football and the city alike.