The end of an era is approaching for the iconic San Siro stadium, as its demolition date is becoming clearer after years of speculation regarding its future.
AC Milan and Inter Milan are progressing with their plans to construct a new, shared stadium in Milan. The current projection indicates that demolition work on the existing San Siro will commence in 2031, following the clubs’ relocation to their new home.
When is San Siro scheduled for demolition?
Current redevelopment plans suggest that the demolition of San Siro will occur after the new stadium’s opening, anticipated during the 2030-31 season.
Construction of the replacement stadium is expected to start in 2027 on land adjacent to the current San Siro site. Once the new venue is fully operational, demolition of significant portions of the existing stadium is slated to begin shortly thereafter.
Despite ongoing speculation in recent years, the stadium will continue to host matches for both Milan and Inter until the new facility is completed.
Why are Milan and Inter demolishing San Siro?
The two Serie A clubs contend that San Siro is no longer financially competitive when compared to modern stadiums across Europe.
While San Siro remains one of world football’s most historic venues, both clubs have consistently argued that renovation costs would be prohibitively expensive and commercially restrictive, making building a new arena from scratch a more viable option.
Initial plans for a new stadium emerged in 2019, but the project encountered delays due to political opposition, heritage preservation concerns, and disagreements over whether San Siro should be renovated instead.
However, recent developments have significantly accelerated the process, with both clubs now fully committed to the demolition and rebuild project.
Will all of San Siro be demolished?
Not the entire stadium will be demolished. Current proposals suggest that elements of the stadium’s iconic exterior might be preserved as part of a redeveloped public space surrounding the new stadium.
Nevertheless, the majority of the seating bowl and interior sections are expected to be demolished once Milan and Inter move into their new home.
San Siro Demolition Date Timeline
As of now, the anticipated timeline is as follows:
- 2027: Construction of the new stadium begins.
- 2030-31: The new stadium is expected to open.
- 2031 onwards: Demolition of San Siro commences.
Until then, fans will have several more seasons to experience one of football’s most legendary stadiums before the famous San Siro skyline eventually undergoes a permanent transformation.