San Siro's Final Curtain: Winter Olympics Opening Marks End for Iconic Stadium

San Siro's Final Curtain: Winter Olympics Opening Marks End for Iconic Stadium

The historic San Siro stadium in Milan is poised for a poignant farewell as the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is set to be the last major global event held at this legendary venue. The 99-year-old arena, which has been the hallowed home of soccer giants Inter Milan and AC Milan, faces an imminent transformation following its purchase by the clubs in November.

A Stadium Steeped in History

San Siro was inaugurated on September 19, 1926, with a friendly match where Inter triumphed over Milan 6-2. Constructed in a remarkable 13 months between August 1925 and September 1926, it stands as Italy's fifth oldest stadium still in active use. Originally named after the San Siro district, it was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in 1980 to honor the legendary Milanese soccer player and two-time World Cup winner.

Meazza, who spent most of his career at Inter with a brief stint at Milan, also managed Inter on three separate occasions. While Inter fans often refer to the stadium as the Meazza, and Milan supporters typically call it San Siro, the arena is affectionately nicknamed "La Scala del calcio" (La Scala of soccer) after Milan's famous opera house.

Architectural Evolution and Future Plans

The stadium's design has undergone significant changes over the decades:

• Originally built with four separate stands and a capacity of 35,000, inspired by English stadiums by then AC Milan president Piero Pirelli.
• Capacity expanded to 55,000 in 1935 with curved edges linking the stands.
• Second ring added in 1955, increasing capacity to over 80,000 after Inter joined as tenants in 1947.
• Major renovation before the 1990 World Cup added a third tier on three sides and the iconic cylindrical towers that support the roof and provide access.

For the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, the capacity will be reduced to approximately 60,000 from its current 76,000. The clubs plan to demolish San Siro and construct a new stadium in time for Italy's co-hosting of the 2032 European Championship with Turkey.

More Than Just a Soccer Venue

While primarily a soccer stadium, San Siro has hosted a diverse array of events:

1. Soccer Milestones: Hosted Italy national team games, three matches during the 1934 World Cup, six during the 1990 World Cup, and three during the 1980 European Championship.
2. Other Sports: Rugby matches and boxing events have taken place within its walls.
3. Concerts: Numerous performances by iconic artists including Vasco Rossi, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and The Rolling Stones.

The stadium was originally intended to host the 2027 Champions League final, but uncertainty over renovation timelines led UEFA to withdraw the plan two years ago. Interestingly, the venue initially served dual purposes, with spaces under the stands functioning as stables and storage for the nearby horseracing track.

As the Winter Olympics opening ceremony approaches, San Siro prepares for its final act, closing a century-long chapter that has seen it evolve from a simple soccer ground to a global cultural icon. Its demolition will mark the end of an era, but its legacy as "La Scala del calcio" will endure in sporting history.