Paolo Scaroni, president of Milan, gave a long interview to Milano Finanza, in which he also spoke about the new stadium project with Inter. Here is what he said:
"The first goal is to reach the deed by October, at which point we will pay the first 73 million euros to Palazzo Marino. From that moment, detailed design of the new stadium can begin, which we have already entrusted to Norman + Partners and Manica, two leading firms in the sector. To see the complete project, it will take six to eight months, and afterward it will go through the Service Conference analysis, which will take another six months. Start of construction in 2027? Absolutely yes. Apart from minor setbacks that can always occur in projects of this size, our goal is to complete the stadium by 2030. First matches in the 2030-2031 season? Ideally yes, so we can complete the necessary testing to bring the facility to full efficiency by the 2032 European Championship, in which it will play a central role. What will be built around the new stadium? We will certainly provide general guidance on where accessory service buildings, such as hotels, offices, and a shopping center, will be located. But to start detailed design, realistically, we will have to wait until 2027-2028, because the priority is the new stadium. The Meazza will remain intact until the new stadium is ready, so its redevelopment cannot start before 2031-2032. In short, we expect the area’s regeneration to be completed no earlier than 2035."
Scaroni continued:
"The new stadium will have 148,000 square meters of green space, so more than 50% of the entire area will be dedicated to trees and parks. It will produce clean energy through photovoltaic panels on the roof. There will be reception services, bars and restaurants, spaces for conferences and events. This way, the area will remain active seven days a week throughout the year, even when no matches are played. We will also add 3,600 underground parking spaces. Overall, we expect 500,000 visitors per year between the museum and the new stadium, with a positive economic impact on the entire neighborhood," he told Milano Finanza.
On AC Milan earning new income thanks to the new stadium:
"I will give only three examples: Tottenham, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, which invested in cutting-edge facilities in recent years. All three more than doubled their revenue in the first year in their new stadium compared to the last in the old one. Milan and Inter currently reach only a fraction of those figures. To remain competitive on the sporting level, we need a modern facility. We expect a substantial increase in revenue. Not because tickets for fans and families will be more expensive, but because we will be able to sell more hospitality packages to companies and premium tickets. Not to mention revenue from other activities," as relayed via Milan News.
Scaroni denies the rumours that Gerry Cardinale is currently thinking of selling the club:
"There is no connection between building the stadium and real estate speculation or the sale of the clubs. Certainly, we want the new facility because it will create value for Milan and Inter and allow them to be more competitive internationally. For us, RedBird and Gerry Cardinale have sports as their vocation, and acquiring Milan has been their most significant investment since they started. Cardinale wants to remain Milan’s owner for a long time, and the stadium is a key part of a plan aimed at strengthening Milan as a sports institution and a modern, solid, ambitious company. I am sure it will make him even more passionate about Milan and Italy."
