In today’s commercial era, many clubs are opting for renovations or entirely new constructions to turn their stadiums into year-round hubs. These modern venues are designed not just for match days but also to serve as business and economic centers, driving activity and revenue for their cities 7 days a week.
Here are 8 iconic stadiums that may soon disappear, so if you haven’t visited them yet, now is the time to plan a trip.
8. St James’ Park – Newcastle, England
Newcastle’s eternal home since 1892 may soon cease to exist. The Premier League club has in recent years studied the possibilities of renovating the stadium but at very high costs, and the most affordable option is to build a new one very close to the current stadium.
7. La Bombonera – Buenos Aires, Argentina
For decades, Boca Juniors has been considering renovations to their iconic La Bombonera stadium, but challenges with acquiring adjacent properties made the project unfeasible. Last year, the club unveiled plans for a new stadium located a few kilometers from the current site. This development would ultimately lead to the demolition of the historic stadium that has been Boca Juniors’ home since 1940.
6. Stadio Artemio Franchi – Firenze, Italy
A few months ago, work began on the renovation of Fiorentina’s legendary stadium, which will have a different look and most of the structure, almost 80% of the stadium, will be completely changed. The new stadium with a capacity of 41,000 seats is expected to be ready in 2028.
5. Stamford Bridge – London, England
One of the oldest stadiums in English football is about to be remodeled (although that is a difficult decision) or demolished. Chelsea FC is planning to build a new and larger stadium just a few miles from the legendary Stamford Bridge.
4. De Kuip – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Feyenoord has been planning a new stadium for years, but financial challenges have put the project on hold. This delay leaves the future uncertain for De Kuip, one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums, which is slated for demolition.
3. Goodison Park – Liverpool, England
The oldest stadium in the Premier League, Goodison Park will be demolished immediately after the new stadium is completed, and a new affordable housing estate will take its place. Ahead of the stadium’s demolition, the club has organised a ‘Goodison Farewell’ festival to take place at the end of the current season. Over three nights from 30 May to 1 June, the stadium will host a series of concerts, while former club legends will also appear to bid a final farewell to the iconic stadium.
2. Mestalla Stadium – Valencia, Spain
One of the most iconic stadiums in Spanish football will live on for at least a few more years, as the new Mestalla is awaiting the resumption of construction work since 2009, when it was suspended due to the deep financial crisis of the Valencia team. Once the new stadium is finished, the old stadium will be finally demolished.
1. Stadio San Siro – Milan, Italy
The two teams that have shared the legendary San Siro since its inception have long considered building a new stadium, either together or independently. Both clubs have concluded that the future does not lie with San Siro. One proposed option is the construction of a joint stadium nearby, after which the iconic “La Scala” of Italian football would be demolished.
