AC Milan and Inter confirm San Siro demolition, reveal new stadium plans

AC Milan and Inter have unveiled plans for a 71,500-seat Generali Stadium, confirming the end of San Siro's historic run. The new venue will feature modern facilities, a redesigned seating bowl and a multi-purpose entertainment space, with construction expected to begin in 2028.The new stadium is targeted to open in the 2031-32 season, with construction expected to begin in 2028. (Photo: Instagram, Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 09:00 ISTAC Milan and Inter Milan have confirmed plans to demolish the iconic San Siro and replace it with a state-of-the-art shared stadium, bringing an end to an era at one of European football's most recognisable venues. The two Serie A giants have unveiled the design of the proposed 71,500-seat Generali Stadium, with the new ground targeted to open in the 2031-32 season.The project was presented on Thursday, October 29, at Castello Sforzesco in Milan, with the clubs also announcing a 20-year naming rights agreement with Italian insurance company Generali. The deal, reportedly worth 650 million euros, was described by the clubs as one of the largest stadium naming rights agreements in global sport.The new stadium will be developed by the clubs' respective owners, RedBird Capital Partners and Oaktree, with architects Foster + Partners and MANICA leading the design. Lord Norman Foster and David Manica, who previously collaborated on London's Wembley Stadium, have drawn inspiration from Milan's Duomo for the proposed venue.“The most important thing that we realised when we designed this project is that the San Siro is a feeling. It's more than a building, it's a feeling, and everything that we needed to do here was to carry it into the new building,” Manica said. SAN SIRO'S LEGACY TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW HOMEOpened in 1926 and renovated ahead of the 1990 World Cup, San Siro has been home to both Milan clubs for more than eight decades. Also known as the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, the ground is famous for its towering spiral staircases, red girders and passionate Curva sections. However, its ageing infrastructure and facilities have increasingly fallen behind those of modern European stadiums.The new design will feature two seating tiers forming a continuous 360-degree bowl, with steep stands rising behind the goals. Seating inclinations of up to 37 degrees are intended to bring supporters closer to the action and recreate the atmosphere associated with the existing ground. “We started with proximity. We brought all the seats as close as possible to the field. They could not be any closer, it'll actually feel as though you're sitting on the grass,” Manica said.WHAT WILL CHANGE AT THE NEW GENERALI STADIUM?Closer view of the action: Steep stands with inclinations of up to 37 degrees will bring spectators closer to the pitch.Modern seating bowl: Two tiers will form a continuous 360-degree bowl, replacing San Siro's existing stadium configuration.Multi-purpose venue: The new ground will be equipped to host football, rugby, American football and concerts.Improved public spaces: The wider redevelopment will include green areas, retail outlets, leisure facilities and public spaces.New matchday experience: The design aims to improve the atmosphere and provide more modern facilities for supporters.CONSTRUCTION TARGETED FOR 2028The new venue will have a capacity of 71,500, compared with San Siro's existing 75,000. The clubs acquired the land from the city of Milan for 197 million euros in November 2025, paving the way for the redevelopment. The overall project is estimated to cost around 1.2 billion euros, with construction expected to begin in 2028, subject to planning approvals.San Siro will be largely demolished as the new stadium project approaches completion. For Milan and Inter, the move is aimed at creating a modern home capable of improving matchday revenues and keeping pace with Europe's leading clubs. For supporters, however, the transition will mean saying goodbye to a football landmark that has defined generations of Milanese football.- Ends