Naples unveils results of Maradona Stadium revamp study

Article posted by Coliseum, August 7^th, 2026

Image: Comune di Napli

The Municipality of Naples has revealed the results of its technical-economic feasibility study into the modernization of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The Comune di Napoli said the project aims to transform the venue into a strategic asset for the city and the entire Campania region, aligning it with international UEFA standards and preparing it to host matches for UEFA Euro 2032.

The 54,732-seat Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, formerly known as the Stadio San Paolo, is a large multipurpose stadium in Naples, Italy. It serves as the home venue of the Serie A team SSC Napoli.

The redevelopment will increase capacity from the current 54,732 seats (34,287 of which are UEFA-compliant) to 63,300 seats, with 50,270 fully meeting UEFA regulations.

Plans include 672 seats for spectators with disabilities distributed throughout the stadium and 36 skyboxes seating 16 people each, accommodating a total of 576 spectators in premium areas.

Key project components

The project is divided into three phases and includes: reconstruction of the third tier (upper tier), construction of a new lower tier, a 15-meter extension of the roof, an underground car park dedicated to VIP and hospitality areas, new hospitality spaces, a new façade, and new outdoor green areas.

The work is scheduled to proceed while ensuring the stadium remains operational during competitions, thanks to extensive use of prefabrication and rapid on-site assembly.

Energy and water sustainability

Plans include over 5,300 square meters of integrated photovoltaic panels, with an estimated output exceeding 1,755,463 kWh/year and a reduction of approximately 377 tons of CO₂ annually, aiming to create a genuine energy community.

A rainwater harvesting system will collect and reuse over 25 million liters of water per year for non-potable purposes.

The new Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is conceived as an urban space that is alive every day, not just on match days: it features new outdoor green areas and event spaces, envisioning a hub for sports, culture, leisure, and public life.

The project leverages the stadium’s strategic location in the Fuorigrotta district, which is already integrated into the city’s cycling network and served by metro lines, high-speed rail (Campi Flegrei station is 720 meters away), and international connections from Capodichino Airport.

Some 80% of spectators will be able to reach the venue via public transport—with seven metro stops within 1.5 km and a direct airport-to-stadium connection taking about 14 minutes—fully complying with UEFA 2032regulations.

Identity and heritage

The new façade reinterprets the venue’s architectural identity, preserving the memory of the “Stadio del Sole” and celebrating Diego Armando Maradona, the club, and key figures in the history of Calcio Napoli.

It creates a recognizable and unique landmark rooted in the history and identity of Naples. As the project summarizes, the structure reflects Maradona’s spirit: unique, visionary, accessible to the public, emotionally resonant, and belonging to everyone.

Mayor Gaetano Manfredi said, “Naples deserves a modern stadium that lives up to its history and its passion. We cannot afford to miss the opportunity presented by the 2032 European Championship; it is a milestone that concerns not only the city but the entire Campania region.

“We thank the Region for its support and pledge full cooperation with all institutions—each playing its part—in the interest of citizens and fans alike. The new Maradona stadium will be a facility serving Naples, open to the city every day of the year.”

The project is championed by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and the Councillor for Infrastructure, Mobility, and Civil Protection, Edoardo Cosenza, with coordination provided by Project Manager (RUP) Vincenzo Brandi and Project Lead Giovanni Toscano.

Design work has been entrusted to a consortium of firms coordinated by Interprogetti S.r.l., alongside KR & Associati, SPERI, SPI, Sonora, Infing, Artech FX, and other specialists.

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