City's €200 million Maradona revamp versus club's stadium hopes

Il Comune of SSC Napoli unveiled today a €200 million renovation plan for the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, aiming for completion by 2030 and raising capacity from 54,732 to 63,300 seats, while pledging the venue will stay fully operational throughout the works.

The presentation took place at Palazzo San Giacomo and was led by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi together with infrastructure assessor Edoardo Cosenza. Both officials stressed the project’s importance for the sporting future of the city.

Key design changes include the removal of the athletics track and the addition of a new first ring that will bring supporters closer to the pitch. The new layout lifts the stadium’s capacity to 63,300, up from the current 54,732.

The scheme also adds 16 sky‑boxes for VIP guests, expands parking facilities and creates surrounding green areas. Officials say these upgrades modernise the arena while preserving its original architectural core.

Edoardo Cosenza explained, “We have presented the plan to the FIGC and then to UEFA for the city’s bid to host the 2032 European Championship. It includes stadium renovation and the city dossier, because the Euros also mean hospitality, airports, trains, hotels. Keeping the original structure makes it fully sustainable, energy‑self‑sufficient, water‑self‑sufficient, with great attention to accessibility. A completely wired structure that can be used seven days a week.”

Mayor Manfredi added, “We also exploit the great accessibility of the Fuorigrotta area, which has three metro lines, because one UEFA requirement is that the stadium be predominantly reachable by public transport.”

Construction will not disrupt matches, as a third ring will be added to keep the stadium fully operational and maintain capacity while works progress.

Manfredi addressed the club relationship, noting that patron Aurelio De Laurentiis had previously asked the Comune and the region for a new stadium. He said, “I hope there can be dialogue with SSC Napoli on the use of the Maradona once fully renovated… We must work only in the interest of the city and the fans. We could not accept hosting the Euros in Italy without SSC Napoli, and therefore we have taken on maximum commitment.”

The contrast between an ambitious, €200 million overhaul and the promise of uninterrupted use and club partnership reveals a dual focus: delivering a world‑class venue for a future European Championship while safeguarding the daily needs of SSC Napoli and its supporters. The next steps involve continued talks with the club and finalising the UEFA dossier.