AS Roma has the second-largest sports facility in Italy, second only to Milan’s San Siro. Stadio Olimpico has a capacity of 70,634. Construction of the stadium began in 1928, and it has hosted four tenants.
Almost 100 years later, the club management has proposed the construction of a new stadium. The 55,000-seat stadium is smaller than the current facility. However, it will include a training center, shopping facilities, and entertainment areas. In this article, we’ll explore the project in detail, including challenges and timelines.
Stadio Olimpico
Stadio Olimpico is a multi-purpose Italian sports venue, the largest of its kind in Rome. Sport e Salute, a government agency, owns the stadium, while the Italian National Olympic Committee operates it. Stadio Olimpico opened in 1953 and became home to football clubs A.S Roma and S.S Lazio. In addition, it hosts the Italian Rugby Union team and the national football team.
AS Roma’s New Home – Stadio Della Roma
Populous is the architectural firm behind AS Roma’s new stadium. The company is also designing Inter Milan’s new stadium to replace San Siro. Unlike its predecessor, Stadio Della Roma will be fully owned by the club.
The original completion date was 2027, to coincide with the club’s centenary anniversary. However, new revisions put the date at 2028. So, it will be available for the 2032 European Championships.
Size and Location
Stadio Della Roma will accommodate 55,000 people, with an option to extend the number to 62,000 using a special seating arrangement. The long-awaited structure is planned to be built in the Pietralata area. The Roma Tiburtina railway station and the Quintiliani station serve the area. In addition, an FL1 railway will be built to serve the facility and surrounding complex.
Project History and Cost
James Pallotta, the club’s chairman, proposed Stadio Della Roma, which was designed by Dan Meis in collaboration with SCE Project and Arup. The stadium’s design is inspired by the Colosseum and replicates the Curva Sud, which is planned to be the largest curva in Europe.
In other words, the football stand will be the largest single stand. The initial estimated cost was €300 million. Goldman Sachs provided a €30 million loan in 2016 for pre-development expenses.
The mayor of Rome and the Region of Lazio rejected the project in 2017. Two weeks later, they approved it after the designers adjusted the designs and construction. However, in August, the planners abandoned the design and developed an entirely new plan in September.
The plans were approved in December, with many Giallorossi fans expecting the facility to open before the 2020-21 season. To everyone’s surprise, the project was halted indefinitely in February 2021.
Revisions and Adjustments
AS Roma’s owner, Dan Freidkin, chose the Pietralata area of Rome as the new location in 2022. Although the area already has two train stations, there are plans to expand public transport by extending the Rome Metro and developing additional lines. Additionally, new tram lines will be built between Tiburtina and Togliatti, along with a cycling and pedestrian bridge over Via Livorno, as well as viaducts and tunnels on Via dei Monti Tiburtini.
Digital experiences are becoming an integral part of sports, so the stadium will feature interactive screens. This will allow Giallorossi fans who enjoy betting to use sportsbooks to place wagers and follow the action live. Stadio Della Roma will include entertainment and shopping facilities. The complex will also feature the club’s training center.
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Challenges and Delays
- The city of Rome has witnessed four mayors since the new stadium’s location was announced.
- The original plans presented under the previous owner were scrapped before a single work was carried out.
- As of 2022, the estimated construction cost was around €570 million. By January 2025, the figure had increased to at least 1.2 billion euros, making Stadio Della Roma the most expensive in Italy.
- Pietralata residents opposed the construction, stating that the area is reserved for a public park. At the same time, they argue that it is too close to a large hospital.
- The Green and Left Alliance raised concerns about the impact on transport accessibility, urban planning, and the environment. The AVS also pointed out that the site excavation was rushed, especially around the wooded areas. Due to the lack of geotechnical surveys, it may lead to the loss of crucial artifacts.
- According to the mayor, the stadium must have enough parking for 50% of the Giallorossi fans. This means constructing up to 20,000 spaces, making parking one of the points of contention.
Since Pietralata was chosen as the site, archeological surveys began in April 2024. It paused for a while and resumed in May. The Regional Administrative Court of Rome halted the survey in July due to many complaints from local businesses. Eventually, AS Roma and the mayor announced the new stadium design and other extended facilities. Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025.
The Long Awaited Dream Becoming a Reality
For years, AS Roma has shared Stadio Olimpico with their city rivals. With construction underway, fans can look forward to a stadium that represents the club’s ambitions. Owning the stadium will generate more revenue through sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and commercial activities. Additionally, since the venue is designed specifically for football, fans will enjoy better sightlines and a more immersive match experience.
The seating arrangement will bring Giallorossi fans closer to the action. State-of-the-art amenities like digital screens, VIP lounges, and premium hospitality areas will also be available. Fans will enjoy more accessibility, improved security, and an efficient ticketing system.
In all, AS Roma will have greater financial power and freedom to compete at the highest levels of European and Italian Football. The construction will generate thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. Better transport links, urban development, and infrastructure improvements will also benefit residents and businesses.
Check out AS Roma’s standing in the Serie A in the table below:
| Position | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Last 5 |
| 7 | 28 | 13 | 7 | 8 | 43 | 30 | 13 | 46 | ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ |
Conclusion
Stadio Della Roma’s official opening is slated for 2028. We expect a grand inauguration ceremony featuring a high-profile match. Most importantly, Giallorossi fans hope the new stadium will be a bold step toward the club’s long-
