The public debate for AC Milan and Inter’s stadium project has now come to an end and the result was revealed during a press conference earlier today. There is cautious optimism filtering from the Rossoneri.
The stadium project has been quite tiring, to say the least, but at least we are seeing some movement these days. The public debate has been concluded and the final report has been published (read in full here, only in Italian though).
Several issues were discussed during the debate and the final report has highlighted five main categories. There seems to be some optimism and down below, you can read the key information regarding each category.
1) Reasons for the intervention: From the debate, a general agreement emerged regarding the fact that Milan and Inter need a modern and private stadium. There is a commercial need for the matter, undoubtedly.
2) Renovating San Siro or building a new one: A difference emerged among the participants: renovate San Siro or build a new stadium? The former option seemingly didn’t take off in the debate as it isn’t viable for the clubs to renovate San Siro, and also because the council would gain a lot by having the clubs there (as opposed to in Sesto).
3) Economic sustainability: The participants saw this as a key matter and discussed the financial strength of the club owners. The impact on local business and the financial gain for the council was also discussed.
The stadium capacity was also brought up, expected to go from 75k to 60-65. There were, above all, concerns that the ticket prices would increase a lot. However, the clubs have reassured that with the ability to host more corporate guests, they are able to increase the revenue substantially anyway. They wouldn’t have to increase the season ticket or normal ticket prices, therefore.
4) Inclusion and social sustainability: This has been addressed in the project presented by the clubs and it was also brought up during the debate. Guaranteeing social inclusion, accessibility to facilities and public spaces, gender equality and security is important.
5) Environmental sustainability: This was discussed a lot during the debate and a new meeting has, in fact, been scheduled to make sure it gets the time it deserves. Milan and Inter are dedicated to making large ‘green areas’ and this aspect shouldn’t be a worry for the clubs. Vibrations and shaking from the current San Siro was also discussed, but it’s not comparable to the new solutions for the proposed stadium.
AC Milan’s advisor on the matter, Giuseppe Bonomi, stated that there will now be a close confrontation with the city council. A decision is expected in a month’s time, at the most two months.
“It was important for us, because the ideas can be disputed, but I think the level of technical detail is difficult to dispute. We have put ourselves in a listening phase. On the basis of reading the final report, a close confrontation with the council will take place and that will have to lead to the final decision. Timing? As fast as possible,” he stated.
Everyone knows no decisions will be made in a month.
It looks like the design has changed from the very rectangular “cathedral” to one with more rounded corners. (as per p.11-13 in the report.) I still don’t think the project honors the iconic design of San Siro and I can imagine it will continue to be a point of concern for the locals.