Everything you need to know about one of the most iconic football stadiums on the planet, AC and Inter Milan's San Siro.
This article was originally published on 13th October 2022.
Key stadium details:
| Stadium name: | San Siro |
| Where: | Milan |
| Tenants: | AC Milan & Inter Milan |
| Capacity: | 80,018 |
| Opening date: | Sunday 19th September 1926 |
Which team plays at San Siro?
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as San Siro, is the home to two giants of Italian and European football, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
The stadium is shared between the fierce local rivals, an uncommon and indeed unthinkable arrangement for fans of most European football clubs. AC and Inter both play their home fixtures at San Siro, usually on a rotating weekly basis.
The Italian national team also regularly play their home fixtures at San Siro.
Who does San Siro belong to?
Both Milan clubs have an equal partnership of San Siro and have done since 1947. Prior to this AC were the sole tenants of the stadium, therefore their fans believe they have the strongest claim to ownership of San Siro.
Is it San Siro or Stadio Giuseppe Meazza?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask, Inter fans would commonly refer to the ground as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, whereas AC fans know it as San Siro.
The stadium was built in the San Siro district of Milan and was named Nuovo Stadio Calcistico San Siro (San Siro New Football Stadium) upon completion.
In 1980, the stadium was officially renamed as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, after former Inter & AC player Giuseppe Meazza.
Meazza was an Inter Milan and Italy legend, who won the World Cup twice with his country and played for 10 seasons with Inter. He also played for AC Milan, for two years, scoring nine league goals.
What year did the San Siro open?
The stadium was officially opened on 19 September 1926, when 35,000 spectators saw Inter defeat AC 6–3.
Built by then-AC President Piero Pirelli and inspired by his love for English football stadiums, San Siro broke convention at the time as it did not include a running track around the pitch, preferring the stand to be as close to the pitch as possible.
Originally San Siro was solely home to AC Milan until their local rivals Inter moved from their previous home the Arena Civica in 1947.
What is the capacity of San Siro?
San Siro has a seating capacity of 80,018 which makes it the largest football stadium in Italy, and indeed one of the largest in Europe.
Upon completion the stadium was designed to hold 35,000 spectators, this was soon increased to 55,000 nine years later and was periodically increased until it reached its peak in 1990 when the seating capacity reached 85,700.
Is San Siro being demolished?
Yes, San Siro is due to be partially demolished upon the closing of the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, to make way for a new stadium built on the same site.
Both Milan clubs have agreed to preserve some of the old stadium as part of a local sports and entertainment district.
The club’s new home, currently named as ‘The Cathedral’, is expected to be ready for the start of the 2027 season at a projected cost of €510 million, with a seating capacity of 60,000.
What is the record attendance at San Siro?
The highest recorded attendance at San Siro was for the 1997 UEFA Cup Final, when Inter played host to German club Schalke 04 for the second leg of the final, eventually losing on penalties.
The match was the last UEFA Cup final to be played over two legs, with future finals being one-off games at a neutral ground.
How big is the pitch at San Siro?
The current size of the pitch at San Siro stands at 105 m x 68 m (115 yd x 74 yd), which is the maximum size allowed as part of UEFA’s governing regulations.
Where is San Siro located?
The stadium is located in the San Siro district of Milan about six kilometres North-West of the city’s famous historical centre.
How do I get to San Siro?
San Siro is reachable via the Metro with two stations, San Siro Ippodromo and San Siro Stadio, both within walking distance of the stadium.
The stadium offers car parking with the purchase of a relevant pass, driving from Milan City Centre takes around 20 minutes with directions clearly signed.
Address: Via dei Piccolomini 5, 20151 Milano
Can I visit San Siro?
Yes, daily guided tours of San Siro are available daily and in a variety of languages, with guests offered the chance to visit a variety of behind the scenes areas including both dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, a pitch-side walk and the combined museums of both AC and Inter.
What major events have taken place at San Siro?
Many major footballing events have taken place at San Siro, most notably during the 1990 World Cup in Italy when five matches took place there.
The stadium has also played host to the 1980 European Championship, two European Cup finals in 1965 and 1970 and two UEFA Champions League finals in 2001 and 2016.
