Milan's two legendary soccer clubs, AC Milan and Inter, have taken a major step forward in their ambitious stadium project by securing partnerships with internationally acclaimed architects Norman Foster and David Manica. Milan Mayor Beppe Sala met with club delegations on Monday, October 13, including representatives from the teams' ownership groups Oaktree and RedBird, along with the lead architects who will spearhead the design of the new venue that will eventually replace the iconic San Siro.

The architect duo expressed their enthusiasm for the prestigious project, emphasizing its significance beyond sports. "Designing a new stadium for Inter and Milan is a true honor," Foster and Manica stated jointly. "This project represents not only a major investment in the future of sport but also a commitment to the city of Milan and its rich cultural, architectural and sporting heritage." The selection of Foster + Partners and Manica Architecture, confirmed by both clubs at the end of September, reflects their determination to create a stadium that meets the highest global standards in innovation, comfort, and sustainability.

The new arena will serve as the centerpiece of an expansive 281,000 square meter redevelopment project and will accommodate 71,500 spectators. The stadium design prioritizes both modernity and environmental responsibility, featuring two main seating rings with carefully angled stands engineered to provide optimal visibility from every seat in the house. Both Milan and Inter have emphasized their commitment to creating a fully accessible venue for disabled fans while also incorporating affordable seating areas to ensure the stadium remains inclusive for supporters from all economic backgrounds.

This state-of-the-art facility is designed to become Milan's new architectural landmark while honoring the city's rich footballing traditions. The new stadium will ultimately replace the legendary San Siro, striking a balance between cutting-edge innovation, architectural elegance, and deep respect for the historical significance of Milan's soccer heritage.

The ambitious timeline calls for the stadium to open its doors in 2031, following a four-year construction period. However, before detailed construction schedules can be finalized, Milan authorities must complete the sale of the current San Siro stadium to Inter and Milan by November 10. This deadline is crucial because after this date, a preservation order will take effect to protect the stadium's second ring, which would prevent its demolition.

The transition plan has been carefully orchestrated to minimize disruption to the clubs' operations. San Siro will continue hosting matches for as long as possible, even while surrounded by construction activity. The groundbreaking for the new stadium is scheduled for mid-2027, a timeline that allows both clubs to avoid the costly and complicated process of temporary relocation to alternative venues during the construction period.

The demolition of the old stadium will begin twelve months after the new facility is completed and operational. During a transitional period, Milan will uniquely have two active soccer venues, with plans to utilize both stadiums for hosting concerts and friendly matches during the summer months. When demolition finally begins, the process will preserve certain historic elements of San Siro, including the southeast corner, part of the distinctive orange stand, and the beloved Curva Sud section. These preserved areas will be transformed into an open, green public space that serves as a lasting tribute to San Siro's enduring legacy in world soccer.