BolognaFiere boost to Bologna FC on avant venue plans

Article posted by Coliseum, August 5^th, 2026

Image: Bologna FC

The leading international exhibition organizer BolognaFiere and the Serie A team Bologna FC 1909 have presented a letter of intent to the Bologna (city in Italy) Mayor Matteo Lepore aimed at launching the process for the construction of a new multipurpose sports facility for the club on land owned by the BolognaFiere and located between the railway line and the motorway.

Institutional Dialog

The letter of intent was presented to Mayor Lepore as the first step in an institutional dialog that will accompany the next stages of the project’s evaluation.

The Bologna FC has been planning the total transformation of their home ground – the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara – for almost a decade but in vain as the skyrocketing prices have come in the way of the top-tier club’s redevelopment plans. The club has recently decided to build an avant-garde venue and the above development is a result of that.

Accessible Infrastructure

‘bolognafc.it’ stated that the initiative stems from the desire of the two organizations to combine their expertise, the resources and the planning capabilities to provide Bologna with a modern, accessible infrastructure fully integrated into the city’s urban system.

The BolognaFiere is a major exhibition and trade fair operator in Italy that has partnered with the top-flight team ⁠Bologna FC on a 50/50 basis to propose and develop a new multipurpose stadium and entertainment infrastructure on land owned by the exhibition group.

The Bologna FC 1909, commonly referred to as the Bologna, is an Italian professional football club based in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna (Italy) that plays in the Serie A, the top flight of Italian football.

The 36,532-seat Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is a multipurpose stadium in Bologna, Italy. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home of the Bologna FC.

A letter of intent (LOI) is a formal document that outlines the preliminary terms of a prospective agreement between parties. It highlights the core goals, establishes a framework for future talks and shows a serious commitment to do business though it is generally not a binding contract.

‘bolognafc.it’ further stated that the BolognaFiere and the Bologna FC will work together on the development of the project and on assessing the technical, the urban planning, the infrastructure, and the financial conditions required for its construction.

Major Transformation

The identified area has strategic characteristics due to its location, proximity to the city’s main transport links and its position within an area undergoing major transformation and development.

Concrete Step

Informed Gianpiero Calzolari, President, BolognaFiere, “The BolognaFiere is providing a strategic site for this project and its experience in developing and managing the major infrastructures designed to welcome the spectators and the host events available for this project. The collaboration with Bologna FC comes from a shared vision: Contributing to the growth of the city through an investment able to combine sport, entertainment and the exhibition-conference activities, the urban development, sustainability, and the international appeal. The letter of intent represents a first concrete step towards exploring the feasibility of a strategic, long-term project.”

Multipurpose Infrastructure

Commented Claudio Fenucci, Head Honcho, Bologna FC 1909, “We have presented together with the Bologna Fiere an initial feasibility analysis for a new multipurpose infrastructure capable of providing the Bologna FC with a modern stadium in line with the highest standards in the venue sector. Our collaboration with BolognaFiere will allow us to design a facility that can also host the concerts and the events further enhancing the city’s role as a hub for the exhibitions and entertainment. The project will also be open to the other investors who share this vision for the city’s development.”

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