AC Milan Announces Plans for New 70,000-Capacity Stadium

AC Milan’s ownership revealed on Thursday their intention to construct a state-of-the-art stadium with a seating capacity of 70,000, marking a significant development for the seven-time European champions. The proposed stadium is set to serve as a multi-purpose venue, catering to various events beyond football matches.

The decision comes amid ongoing discussions between Milan and their local rivals Inter, both of whom currently share the iconic San Siro stadium, owned by the local authority. Both clubs have been exploring options to build separate stadiums on the outskirts of the city.

Despite this, Milan city authorities expressed their continued interest in collaborating with both clubs to potentially refurbish the San Siro, underscoring the complexities involved in the negotiations surrounding the future of football infrastructure in the city.

Gerry Cardinale, the founder and managing partner of RedBird Capital, which acquired control of Milan in a landmark 1.2 billion euro deal in 2022, emphasized Milan’s status as Italy’s economic hub, positioning it as an ideal location for a modern stadium and entertainment venue.

Cardinale outlined ambitious plans to merge sports, music, and live events, envisioning Milan as a thriving hub for fan experiences. He highlighted the potential benefits not only for Milan but also for Italy and Serie A as a whole.

“In bringing an American stadium and live event campus to Milan, we aim to create a synergy between sports and entertainment, leveraging the city’s unique appeal,” Cardinale stated during the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit in London.

Moreover, Cardinale expressed aspirations to establish a company capable of spearheading similar stadium projects for other Italian clubs, reflecting a broader trend of American investment in Serie A and a shift towards privately-owned stadiums to enhance revenue streams.

Former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now serving as an operating partner for RedBird, echoed the sentiment of embracing change and heralded the new stadium as a symbol of rejuvenation for the club.

“Milan is not the owner of San Siro. You want to have your own stadium and run things your way,” Ibrahimovic remarked, emphasizing the importance of ownership and autonomy in shaping the club’s future.

With the prospect of a modern stadium on the horizon, Ibrahimovic emphasized the significance of this development for both fans and players, signaling a new era for AC Milan.