San Siro in Milan is Italy's top football venue

Inter Milan and A.C. Milan play their home games at the San Siro or Giuseppe Meazza stadium

Paolo Barbé

In this Italian city is Milan's San Siro Stadium, or Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. This legendary stadium, with almost a century of history, is the shared home of two of the most successful clubs in world football: AC Milan and Inter Milan

Join me as we explore the history and vibrant present of this legendary coliseum.

What is the history of Milan's famous stadium?

The San Siro Stadium has been officially known as Giuseppe Meazza Stadium since 1980, in honor of the legendary footballer who played for both clubs in the city. Construction began in 1925 in Milan's San Siro district and opened in 1926 to be the official home of AC Milan. However, starting in 1947, Inter Milan also made it their home, thus sharing it with the two great teams from the Italian city. This duality continues even in the stadium's common name, as both fans and media refer to it as San Siro when AC Milan is the home team during matches, and as Giuseppe Meazza when Inter plays at home.

With a capacity of over 85,000, the stadium has been a representation of the new distinctive architecture for the city, with its imposing towers and recognizable shape. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Milan.

Football clubs that share a home stadium

The stadium witnesses the fierce battle between two of football's all-time greats. The Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri both play in the same stadium, two sides who have history of achievement represented by trophies at national as well as international level.

Founded in 1899, AC Milan is a football giant of Italy and Europe with a past replete with glory, sporting an array of Serie A and Champions League trophies.  The Rossoneri have captivated generations of fans through their style of play and legends such as Paolo Maldini, Ruud Gullit, Franco Baresi, and Ricardo Kaká.  San Siro has witnessed hundreds of fairy-tale nights when the abode of AC Milan is awash with the red and black colors.

Conversely, FC Internazionale Milano, or simply Inter, was founded in 1908 and has also contributed to football's history, both locally within Italy and globally.  Having a history of dominance and their fans supporting them every step of the way, the Nerazzurri have achieved national and European glory on numerous occasions. As "Giuseppe Meazza," when Inter plays at home, the stadium is a sea of passion in the stands and on the pitch.  Some of its legends who have represented Nerazzurri include Giuseppe Meazza, Javier Zanetti, Christian Vieri, and Ronaldo Nazario. Furthermore, the Derby between Milan and Inter, the renowned Derby della Madonnina, overfills the stadium with both teams' supporters, dividing Milanese and attracting the city's spotlight. At such matches, the tension is overt and the stadium is the epicenter of Italian football fever. Milan's Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, also known as the Milan´s  San Siro stadium, symbolizes deep football culture and intense rivalry characteristic of Milan.

Events held at the stadium

The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium isn't just about football; it also offers space for all kinds of entertainment. Throughout its existence, it has become a multipurpose stadium, hosting a variety of events that have left a mark on the city's collective memory.

For example, both citizens and tourists have been able to enjoy many music legends who have performed at San Siro. The stadium's acoustics and atmosphere have made it a favorite venue for concerts by world stars such as Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, among many others. Milan has been a meeting place for generations of music fans of all genres, from rock and pop to heavy metal and electronic music. The stadium has also hosted other major sporting events, taking advantage of its capacity and location, such as world boxing championships.

Although less frequently, it has also been used for cultural activities and major shows. Possibilities have included theatrical performances or even opening and closing ceremonies for multidisciplinary events, as the venue's sheer size lends itself to adaptable uses for performances requiring large audiences. Additionally, certain areas of the stadium, such as the VIP boxes and some private rooms, have been rented out for corporate events, product launches, or individual celebrations seeking a unique venue. The panoramic view of the stadium and its historic character add a touch of class to these types of events.

Guided tour and where to buy a ticket

For football lovers, tourists, and the curious, a visit to the Milan´s San Siro stadium is a fascinating insight into the history and legacy of this legendary stadium. It's a privilege to walk on the same grounds once trodden by legends of the sport and to contemplate the immensity of the field from the pitch.

You can visit the football stadium with a guided tour every day when there is no match or event, between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The tour will take you to see the locker rooms, the entrance tunnel, the football pitch, and to sit in the stands. You can also visit the museum, which contains the history, jerseys, and trophies of the city's two teams. Souvenirs are also available for purchase at the museum.

Guided tours are available in nine languages, and you can purchase a ticket, which includes admission to the museum and a visit to the Milan stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium ticket office, online, through their website, and by email for groups.

How to get to the Stadium?

It's very easy to reach the stadium via public transportation, as the M5 metro line has a direct stop at the stadium, called San Siro Stadio. You can also reach it by tram, via line 16, and several bus lines, such as 49 and 78. For those who prefer to drive, the stadium is well signposted, although parking may be limited on match days or during large-scale events.

If you're planning to enjoy a match or a tour of Milan's San Siro stadium, we recommend three hotel options with good connections to the stadium so you can relax and also explore the Italian city at your leisure.

From the NH Collection Milano CityLife, the most direct way to reach the stadium is via the Milan metro. You'll simply need to take a short walk to Tre Torri station, where you'll take the purple line, the M5, to your final destination, San Siro Stadio.

To get to San Siro from the modern nhow Milano hotel, located in the Via Tortona area, you can start your journey by walking to the Tortona/Savona tram stop. There, you can take tram number 14 toward Lorenteggio and get off at Piazza Firenze. From this square, you have the option to board the M5 metro line, heading toward San Siro Stadio. Another option from Piazza Firenze is to take bus number 48, although the metro connection is generally faster and more direct.

Finally, if you choose to stay at the NH Milano Fiera, you'll need to head to Rho Fiera Milano station, where you'll take the red line, the M1, toward Sesto Fiorentino. Your stop will be Lotto Fiera Milano, and once there, you'll need to change to the M5 line toward San Siro Stadium.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Milan.

Author: Paolo Barbé

Guest Relations at NH Collection Milano CityLife

Hi, I am Paolo, Guest Relations Manager of NH Collection Milano City Life and I am passionate on hospitality and about my City:Milan! The best part of my daily tasks is the interaction with our guests, the opportunity to speak in different languages and sharing my passion on Milano for a unique and unforgettable experience! I was born and raised in Milano and ever since my childhood I’ve always wanted to discover the hidden gems of my home town and spread out my knowledge to our guests for an authentic time as the locals do. I love tasting comfort food and recommending to our guests the best locations for an unforgettable time while in Milano and create lifetime memories to share. Furthermore, I am also interested in shopping and attending the events that take place in our town to always discover something new! I am looking forward to welcoming you in NH Collection Milano City Life to let the adventure begin!

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