Milano's Moment: Milan and Inter Seal San Siro Purchase for a Bold Shared Stadium Vision

Deal seals purchase of San Siro area

In a historic move, AC Milan and Inter Milan today signed a formal agreement to purchase the San Siro district, including Giuseppe Meazza stadium and the surrounding zones, paving the way for a joint, world-class stadium project in the heart of Milan.

In a joint statement, the clubs confirmed the sale to the City of Milan and described the project as a new era for the city and for both clubs.

The plan to build the new stadium and redevelop the San Siro district marks a milestone for Milan and Inter and their owners, RedBird Capital Partners and Octree Capital, reflecting a shared ambition to secure long-term sporting success and sustainable growth.

The deal followed the City Council's approval of the sale in September, and all required legal documents are now signed to finalize the agreement.

The parties added that the transaction was conducted through Stadio San Siro S.p.A., with financing from Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan as lead coordinators, alongside the clubs' banking partners BPM and BPER Banca.

World-class design, financing and timeline

The clubs have hired Foster + Partners and Manica to design and develop the new stadium and the surrounding district, including a master plan for the broader area.

The project envisions a stadium that meets the highest international standards and will become a new architectural icon for Milan.

It also includes a Center of Excellence reflecting the sporting and cultural character of San Siro and the city, with urban spaces redefined through innovation, sustainability and improved accessibility.

Reports suggest most of the current San Siro will be demolished between 2031 and 2032, while the new venue is planned a bit earlier near the existing Meazza site rather than on top of it.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027 and be completed by 2031, enabling Inter and Milan to play the 2031-2032 season in their new home.

The project also positions Milan as one of the host cities for Euro 2032, underscoring the city's future as a global football hub.

A Historic Legacy

San Siro, officially known as Giuseppe Meazza, is one of football's most famous venues and a lasting symbol of Milan. Built in 1926 at the initiative of Milan president Piero Pirelli, the arena was meant to reflect the grandeur of the city's iconic red-and-black club.

Initially, the stadium was used primarily by Milan; Inter joined later, and the ground became a shared symbol of sporting unity in Italy's economic capital.

The first official match on San Siro turf occurred on 19 September 1926, when Inter beat Milan 6-3 in a celebratory friendly; the stadium then held about 35,000 spectators and lacked an athletic track, giving it a pure football atmosphere.

Over the decades, expansions raised capacity beyond 60,000, and major refurbishments for the 1990 World Cup added the red facade, sloping roof, and spiral towers that became hallmarks of the venue.

Capacity later surpassed 80,000, making it one of Europe's largest stadiums. In 1980, the venue was renamed Giuseppe Meazza, though 'San Siro' remained the popular name for fans and the surrounding district.

San Siro hosted European Championship finals and European Cup/Champions League finals in 1965, 1970, 2001 and 2016, along with World Cup matches from 1934 and 1990 and the European Championship of 1980. It was also the stage for the legendary 'Derby della Madonnina' between Milan and Inter, a fixture that fans remember with a mix of joy and tension.

Beyond football, it hosted concerts by global stars such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones, turning the arena into a cultural landmark that blends sport and art.

In recent years, questions about the age and maintenance costs of the venue led Milan and Inter to consider a newer, more sustainable home. After years of debate, the 2025 announcement confirmed the purchase of the San Siro area as a stepping-stone toward a modern stadium that honors the city’s history.

As the era of the old stadium nears its final chapters, San Siro remains a century-long symbol of football greatness and a beacon for fans worldwide.

Punchline 1: If ambition had a stadium, it would be this one—big, bold, and slightly late to the finish line.

Punchline 2: In Milan, even the blueprint ages gracefully and keeps delivering punchlines every few years.