Feature

San Siro set for ‘extraordinary’ redevelopment

Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium is to undergo a major renovation project over the next few years, according to the Italian city’s council.

The 80,000-capacity venue is home to Italian Serie A teams AC Milan and Inter Milan and while both clubs have been linked with moves to new stadia, the redevelopment work seemingly means that they will stay put for the time being.

The City of Milan Council confirmed in a statement yesterday (Tuesday) that the approved project will cost approximately €15m ($17.5m/£13.3m).

The council added that all of the work should be complete by June 2020, with the renovated stadium to be ready in time for the 2020-21 football season.

In the statement, the council set out plans to install new lighting at entrances to the San Siro, as well as a new operations centre for police, sealing the first tier and rebuilding toilet facilities in the first tier.

Other scheduled improvements include modernising executive boxes in the first tier, adding a new lounge to the club museum, increasing commercial spaces and adding a new media area.

In addition, the plans include a major renovation of the square directly outside of the San Siro, as well as standard relaying of the playing surface inside.

Roberta Guaineri, Councilor for Sports in Milan, said: “I thank Milan and Inter for their efforts in the maintenance and renovation of the stadium.

“The plan of works and innovations to be made to the structure will allow us to continue to define the stadium of our city as the ‘World Football Scale’, even more welcoming, safe and efficient for all fans and fans of the ball.”

Image: Jose Luis Hidalgo R.