JOINT BOLOGNA FC 1909 / BOLOGNAFIERE STATEMENT | OneFootball

BolognaFiere and Bologna FC 1909 have reached an agreement to develop Bologna’s new stadium, a state-of-the-art 35,000-seat venue designed to host not only football matches, but also trade fairs, conferences and major live music events.

The initial assessments now allow the project to enter its operational phase, with the plans to be submitted to the FIGC as provided for under Article 9-ter, paragraph 2, of Decree-Law 96 of 6 June 2025.

The stadium will have a strong multi-purpose focus. The project includes a retractable roof and a movable playing field, allowing the central area of the arena to be cleared and used for concerts, major live productions, trade fairs and conferences.

The total investment is expected to be approximately €300 million.

The new stadium will be built in the northern area of BolognaFiere, already earmarked for exhibition development under the programme agreement. It will have a dedicated motorway exit and railway station, with two ring-road exits and a stop on the new tram line nearby, as well as extensive parking facilities.

The first phase of the project has been designed by architect Eloy Suárez of Studio SHESA and Professor Massimo Majowiecki of MJW Structures, professionals with extensive international experience in the design of major sports venues and complex structures.

The project timeline sets spring 2031 as the target for completion of the works, with the aim of enabling Bologna FC to play the 2031-32 season at the new stadium and ensuring the venue is fully operational should it be required for UEFA EURO 2032.

The development of the new stadium represents a further step in the wider development project for the BolognaFiere area, which is set to become a major integrated urban district, bringing together trade fairs and conferences, sport and entertainment, strengthening Bologna’s appeal and its international standing in the live music sector.

Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere, said: “We are aware of the scale and complexity of the project and, for this very reason, we want to approach it with great seriousness, responsibility and a strong focus on its economic and practical sustainability. The new stadium must be an infrastructure that serves Bologna FC and its supporters, but also an asset for Bologna: a vibrant place throughout the year, integrated with the exhibition district and capable of expanding the opportunities available to the city in sport, music and major events. We have a challenging process ahead that will require the coordinated work of all those involved and close cooperation with the relevant institutions, with full respect for their respective roles and the procedures established as part of the approval process. It is a major collective challenge. We are determined to do everything necessary on our part to ensure the project can be delivered.”

Claudio Fenucci, CEO of Bologna FC 1909, added: “This is an important first step towards our goal of building a modern, multi-purpose stadium that will enable Bologna to generate resources and ensure greater sporting competitiveness over time. The project envisages a venue with high-quality standards, offering the public not only the great excitement of watching a match live, but also a complete experience in terms of digital technology and hospitality. It will not be a venue dedicated solely to football; its multi-purpose nature will make it a unique asset for the city, capable of attracting international attention across sport, exhibitions, music, and culture. This is a major investment and, alongside the commitment of BolognaFiere and Joey Saputo, it will require the involvement of investors who share the same vision for the development of the city.”