Here’s A First Look At Milan’s New Stadium, A ‘Cathedral’ For Soccer Fans

Italian soccer giants AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano, who share a home stadium, can look forward to a grand makeover by architecture firm Populous. The company has designed iconic arenas around the world, including Wembley Stadium, the main stadiums for the Sydney 2000 and London 2012, as well as the Yankee Stadium in New York.

The teams’ current home, the Studio Giuseppe Meazza, more commonly known as the San Siro, was built all the way back in 1926, and underwent its last renovation in 2015. The all-new project, titled ‘The Cathedral’, will not only replace the nation’s largest stadium, but will help revitalize the urban district into one dedicated to sports and leisure.

According to ArchDaily, the new look takes inspiration from two of the city’s landmarks, the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, meshing the iconic architecture with the latest technological advancements to create a fully carbon-neutral building. 

The venue will comfortably seat 60,000 fans, who will enjoy a stunning open-concept space enclosed in a glass facade. As it’s situated within the city, the stadium will come with noise control and safety measures to ensure ticket holders have the best experience.

Alongside the stadium, the neighborhood surrounding it will be designated as a pedestrian-only district, with 40% of its area filled with lush, green spaces to bring new life to the city. 

“Our design envisages the stadium as the most sustainable in Europe and the focal point of a new sports and entertainment district for Milano that will be alive throughout the year,” said Declan Sharkey, Senior Principal and General Manager of Populous Italia.

“Underpinned by the history and traditions of these two great clubs, it will not only deliver an incredible sporting arena to watch football in but revitalize the whole area to better serve Milano’s citizens, visitors, fans, and their families.”

The final version of the arena’s design will be released in 2022.

[via ArchDaily, images via Populous]