Inter and AC Milan Announce 71,500-Seat Generali Stadium Project

Inter and AC Milan have officially presented the design for the stadium that will replace San Siro. The new arena, named Generali Stadium, will seat 71,500 spectators. This project resolves a long-standing infrastructure debate in Milan by providing a modern venue that both clubs intend to share, a practice that dates back to the late 1940s.

The naming rights were secured through a deal with Italian insurance company Generali. The agreement is valued at 650 million euros, or 725 million dollars, over a 20-year period. The Milan City Council approved the sale of the current San Siro property to the two clubs in 2025. This legislative step cleared the path for the joint ownership group to proceed with the new build.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028. The teams plan to open the facility for the 2031-2032 season. This timing aligns with the UEFA European Championship, which Italy and Turkiye will co-host in 2032. The existing San Siro, built in 1926, will remain in operation until the new structure is fully ready. Demolition of the historic ground will occur only after the transition is complete.

Foster + Partners and MANICA, the firms responsible for the design of London’s Wembley Stadium, created the architectural vision. The structure features an X-frame support system and a double-curved roof. The seating arrangement forms a continuous 360-degree bowl. At each end, steep Curvas rise with inclinations up to 37 degrees. The design aims to amplify crowd noise and improve sightlines for supporters.

Ownership groups RedBird and Oaktree, which control Inter and AC Milan respectively, are funding the project. They described the investment as a move to strengthen sporting competitiveness and unlock future growth. The venue includes modern hospitality areas and enhanced accessibility features. The acoustic design is engineered to capture crowd energy, positioning the stadium among the most atmospheric venues in world football.

The departure from San Siro marks the end of an era for a venue that hosted events beyond soccer. The stadium held the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It also hosted major concerts, including a 1980 performance by Bob Marley, the first event held at the site. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Taylor Swift have also played there. Bruce Springsteen has referred to the stadium as his second home.

The new Generali Stadium is designed to increase matchday revenues for both clubs. This financial boost is intended to close the gap with European rivals. The project represents a shift in Italian soccer infrastructure, moving away from aging facilities toward modern standards. The old San Siro will be preserved in memory until the new home is ready for fans.