Bologna, the new Dall'Ara stadium: the project is there but who pays

Serie A is experiencing a rebirth . In Europe, our presence is increasing where it counts. We are far from the glories of the past, also considering a totally changed market, but for some years now the system has reopened its doors to us .

The credit goes to the individual teams and not to the organization as a whole, it must be said. The so-called " surprises " of the season are increasing. There is no longer any reason to roll your eyes at Atalanta, of course, but Bologna has taken its place.

Another year in Europe, the next one, showing an excellent game even after the farewell of Thiago Motta. The city believes in it and the team flies on the wings of enthusiasm. Now all that remains is to reinvest what is being earned and propose a facility that lives up to their dreams.

The new Dall'Ara stadium

The plan for the renovation of the Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna is not a new one. Precisely for this reason the club is finding itself facing an unexpected problem. In addition to the economic difficulties, it is necessary to take into account the enormous enthusiasm of the fans.

When the project was presented, the name of a temporary facility was on the papers. Everyone at the Caab, moving the team and fans for about two seasons, waiting for the completion of the work. And now? That prospect seems completely unrealizable. The European Bologna we are experiencing today cannot afford to host matches of an international competition at the Caab . At the same time, the economic wave of the box office for home games in the season cannot be thrown away. Right now, there is too much to lose.

In fact, it would seem that there would be only 16 thousand seats available. A figure that at the time was considerable, net of 13 thousand season ticket holders and an average of 20 thousand spectators. Now, however, the loyal fans have become 20 thousand and the average number of spectators is almost 28 thousand per match .

The solution? It is currently being considered. A move to another city seems unthinkable. It would be damaging to the fans and the club's coffers. Instead, the Caab could be demolished and the idea of ​​building a new facility given over to the idea of ​​making the Dall'Ara, historic but antiquated, the temporary stadium that will give way to the new theatre of dreams.

How much do the works cost?

A major headache, which sees the club and the Municipality also realize the impossibility of continuing to play at the Dall'Ara during the works. This is what is proposed to do at the Maradona in Naples , with De Laurentiis who has now ruled out the possibility of a new stadium.

In this case, however, the work will be far too complex to allow the players to take to the field, but above all the fans to sit comfortably in the stands to applaud. Then the numbers need to be balanced. The overall cost is estimated at around 220-230 million euros .

Bologna has an agreement with the administration but hopes to be able to review it. At present 40 million are expected but they would like to try to reach 50. At the same time the Meloni government has been asked for another 60 .

If everything goes according to plan, then Saputo would proceed with an expenditure of 110-120 million euros. In this program, the State would not do charity but would become the owner of a share, even a majority, of the company created specifically for these works (Bologna Stadium). A way to recover the investment (but only after the rebuilt facility is fully operational).

Euro 2032

Abodi is certain of the importance of the Dall'Ara but Giorgetti is hesitant. The State could provide "just" 25 million for the project. Faced with so many doubts, the risk is that the project will be put on hold for a long time. Something that would erase the dream of Euro 2032. Not everything has been decided regarding the stadiums to propose. They know this well in Naples.

At the moment there are ten candidate cities:

• Bari (renovation);
• Bologna (renovation);
• Cagliari (new);
• Florence (renovation);
• Genoa (renovation);
• Milan;
• Naples (renovation);
• Rome;
• Turin (Allianz Stadium);
• Verona (renovation).
• There are five slots available but construction will have to start between April and May 2027 , which seems far away but is not at all. Bureaucracy and funds could hinder the path of many clubs, with only Milan, Rome and Turin certain of a place.

What will the new Dall'Ara be like, the project

Despite the many doubts and uncertain timing, what is the project for the new Dall'Ara? An agreement has been signed with Webuild for a partnership with exclusive rights until 31 December 2027 (for the development of technical feasibility studies, the renovation and redevelopment of the stadium.

The aim is to renovate and enhance the areas of the Dall'Ara, inaugurated almost 100 years ago, in 1927. Once the major works are completed, the structure will be open 7 days a week , offering services well beyond the 90 minutes of a match and the hours before and immediately after.

All sectors will boast a high level of services , finally matching the international standard, and work will be done on a shell-shaped covering for the plant . Something capable of allowing the passage of light and air. All the metal structures added for Italia '90 will then be eliminated , safeguarding the original city walls instead.

All in compliance with the UEFA category 4 standards . The capacity will be over 30 thousand seats , with stands very close to the pitch, in English style. The fans will find themselves 7 meters from the players on the pitch.

Finally, the project also includes the redevelopment of the northern area, in via Andrea Costa, known as “Antistadio”. Instead, the construction, initially planned, of a “temporary stadium” in an area east of Bologna, to host home games during the execution of the works, should be evaluated.