The iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, home to the city’s legendary football clubs AC Milan and Inter, is facing an uncertain future. With plans to demolish the historic venue and replace it with a modern new stadium, the 2026 Winter Olympics could be one of the last major events to grace the hallowed ground.
A Storied Legacy Meets Modern Demands
For nearly a century, the San Siro has stood as a symbol of Milan’s sporting heritage. Opened in 1926, the stadium has hosted some of the most iconic moments in football history, including four European Cup/Champions League finals. However, as The Guardian reports, the clubs now see a new, more modern arena as crucial to boosting their revenues and staying competitive in the global game.
What this really means is that the beloved San Siro, with its distinctive spiral staircases and concrete towers, is no longer deemed fit for purpose. As Dezeen reports, UEFA has stripped the stadium of its hosting rights for the 2027 Champions League final, citing its outdated facilities. The clubs now plan to work with architects like Foster + Partners to build a replacement venue with 71,500 seats in time for the 2032 European Championship.
The 2026 Olympics: A Bittersweet Farewell?
The 2026 Winter Olympics, co-hosted by Milan and the nearby town of Cortina, could provide a fitting send-off for the San Siro. According to AP News, the stadium is expected to host the opening ceremony of the games. But the bigger picture here is that this may be one of the last major events to take place in the historic venue before it faces the wrecking ball.
The fate of the San Siro remains uncertain, with Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala insisting the stadium will still be used during the 2026 Olympics, even as the clubs push ahead with plans to demolish it. Ultimately, the city council’s decision to sell the stadium to AC Milan and Inter could seal its fate, paving the way for a new, modern replacement that the clubs believe is essential to their long-term success.