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AS Roma's new stadium is designed to be more than just a sports arena; it is a true piece of the city, capable of dramatically influencing both the club's destiny and the urban landscape of Rome. Official documents submitted by the club to the City of Rome reveal an extraordinary scale project, with a total investment of approximately €1.38 billion—a figure unprecedented in Italian soccer and, for an American audience, comparable to the development of a large multifunctional district rather than the construction of a traditional stadium. The stadium will be constructed in the Pietralata district, a northeastern sector of the city designated for extensive redevelopment, with the objective of completing it by 2031. The intended capacity is somewhat more than 60,000 seats, but the most notable feature will be the Curva Sud, which has historically been populated by the most committed fans. The Curva Sud, the heart of the Giallorossi fans, will be a single, compact structure with over 22,700 seats, nine meters higher than the opposing stand, and meant to function as a true "human wall" capable of amplifying noise and visual impact. To emphasize its symbolic value, the section's twenty-two entrances will be named after Rome's historic districts, the city's oldest neighborhoods. Financially, the project relies on an intricate plan that encompasses not only the construction of the stadium but also parking facilities, public green spaces, sustainable mobility infrastructure, and the expansion of the current metro system. The financial coverage will be mixed: a large chunk will come from bank funding, while more than half a billion euros will be invested directly by the club's owners, the Friedkin family, American entrepreneurs who purchased Roma in 2020. The club will not own the property, but will gain a ninety-year surface right by paying a concession to the City of Rome, a common practice in large-scale urban developments in Italy. Construction will take slightly over three and a half years, with the goal of symbolically laying the foundation stone in 2027, the year AS Roma celebrates its centenary, before playing the first official match at the new stadium in 2031. Following that, the club anticipates a huge financial increase. Annual revenues are expected to exceed €150 million, with ticket sales and season tickets accounting for the majority, as well as sponsorships, naming rights, and catering services, all of which are becoming increasingly important in modern European stadiums. Once operating costs and debt service are met, net profit is estimated to reach over €60 million per year, a transformational result in the context of Italian soccer, which has traditionally been distinguished by outdated stadiums and fragile bank sheets.
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