Rome, June 10 – The AS Roma new stadium project is nearing its final bureaucratic hurdles, with key institutional figures confirming that the decisive service conference is imminent. This development signals a significant step forward for the club’s long-awaited home, potentially paving the way for construction to begin next year.
Decisive Service Conference to Commence Soon
Lucia Bernabé, AS Roma’s Head of Institutional Relations, confirmed the advanced stage of the project during the second national day of sports facilities, held at the CONI Hall of Honor. Bernabé stated, “We are awaiting news from the commissioner regarding the opening of the decisive service conference. We hope this is the right week to start the process, at most the beginning of next week. But these are the days when it should begin.”
The opening of this decisive service conference is considered the penultimate step before public tenders are issued. Following this, AS Roma aims to submit the project’s progress report to UEFA by the end of July. UEFA is then expected to decide by mid-September which venues will host the UEFA 2032 matches, with the new Roma stadium potentially being a candidate.
Timeline for Construction and Completion
The club anticipates breaking ground for the new stadium in the spring of next year, with construction estimated to take approximately three years. This timeline suggests the stadium could be ready for use by 2029 or 2030, marking a new era for AS Roma and the city of Rome.
A Catalyst for Urban Development and Regeneration
Bernabé elaborated on the broader benefits of the new stadium, emphasizing its role beyond just football matches. “This is a stadium that will improve the city. It is a significant investment, not limited to the two hours of football matches. Rather, it is an opportunity for the development and regeneration of a quadrant of the city,” she explained.
The chosen location, Pietralata, is highlighted as an emblematic example. “Pietralata has been chosen to give a real project to this part of the city, an area that has remained incomplete for decades, despite its proximity to Tiburtina station,” Bernabé added. She drew parallels with other major European stadiums, such as Tottenham’s or the Bernabéu, which have become urban hubs, adding value to previously marginalized neighborhoods.
Focus on Public Spaces, Green Areas, and Accessibility
Specific aspects of the project include the enhancement of public spaces, the creation of green areas, and significant improvements to the road network. Bernabé stressed the importance of addressing traffic concerns, aiming to avoid the issues experienced around the Olimpico stadium on match days. “The investment we will make will be a project that creates an asset for the city. All structures, roads, and green areas will be available to the city forever,” she affirmed.
She also explicitly stated, “This is not a real estate speculation project; there will only be the stadium and the stadium park.” The project is expected to create numerous jobs and generate prolonged economic benefits for the city.
A Modern Hub for Events and Tourism
The new stadium is envisioned as a modern, multi-functional venue that will operate seven days a week, hosting events, concerts, conventions, and various manifestations. Bernabé believes it will become a prestigious element that attracts tourism, serving as an architectural landmark for visitors.
Addressing concerns about noise pollution, Bernabé assured that the stadium’s design incorporates advanced acoustic studies to prevent any disturbance. “From an acoustic point of view, the stadium has been designed to avoid any type of noise; there will be no acoustic pollution,” she stated.
The development of new sports facilities has historically brought significant benefits to cities, as seen with Turin’s resurgence after the Olympics. The AS Roma stadium aims to provide similar renewed visibility and prestige to Rome.
