San Siro: What to Know About Milan’s Iconic Stadium Hosting the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

The historic San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, has taken center stage as the venue for the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a rare moment when a football stadium hosts the launch of the Winter Games.

Officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, San Siro is one of Europe’s most famous sporting arenas and home to Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. Opened in 1926, the stadium has a seating capacity of more than 75,000 spectators and has hosted some of football’s biggest matches, including UEFA Champions League finals, World Cup fixtures, and major concerts.

For the Winter Olympics, the stadium was transformed into a ceremonial venue showcasing Italian culture, creativity, and innovation, blending sports tradition with modern entertainment. Organizers chose San Siro because of its historic significance, large capacity, and symbolic connection to Italian sporting excellence.

The decision to hold the opening ceremony in Milan reflects the unique “two-city” hosting model of the 2026 Winter Olympics, jointly organized by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. While most snow-based events will take place in mountain venues, Milan serves as the cultural and ceremonial hub of the Games.

San Siro’s involvement in the Olympics adds another milestone to its long history as a global sports landmark. The stadium is also expected to play a role in future redevelopment plans, with discussions ongoing about building a modern replacement arena in the coming years.

As the Olympic flame was lit inside the iconic stadium, San Siro once again demonstrated its ability to bring the world together through sport, this time beyond football — on the global Olympic stage.