Stadiums that could be demolished
Eight historic grounds with the wrecking ball circling: approved projects, confirmed moves and classics we may only get to see for a few more years.
A stadium doesn't die of old age; it dies of economics: too few hospitality boxes, narrow concourses, post-war concrete that no longer meets code. These eight currently appear in city plans, owners' proposals or very well-founded rumours. If any of them is missing from your list, hurry up.
1.San Siro
Milan, Italy · 1926 · Sale approved to Milan and Inter
The city council approved selling the ground and its surroundings to both clubs, with a new stadium planned alongside and partial demolition of the current one once it opens. Only the second tier has partial heritage protection. It is the most significant announced disappearance in European football.
See stadium guide →2.Old Trafford
Manchester, England · 1910 · 100,000-seat proposal
United's ownership has presented plans for a brand-new 100,000-seat stadium next to the current one. The alternative — renovating the old ground — is costlier and less profitable, so the Theatre of Dreams is on borrowed time in its present form.
See stadium guide →3.Goodison Park
Liverpool, England · 1892 · Everton has already moved
The first purpose-built major stadium in England stopped being home to Everton's men's side with the move to Bramley-Moore Dock. It survives with the women's team and a neighbourhood regeneration plan, but its long-term future remains open.
See stadium guide →4.Oakland Coliseum
Oakland, United States · 1966 · No major tenants left
It lost the Raiders, lost the Warriors and in 2024 lost the Athletics. The home of American sport's most hated upper deck, 'Mount Davis', has been sold to a local consortium, and demolition features in almost every development scenario.
5.Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, United States · 1990 · Roof destroyed in 2024
Hurricane Milton ripped away the fibreglass roof and forced the Rays to play away from home. With a new-stadium project drifting in and out of the political agenda, baseball's strangest dome is unlikely to reach thirty-five.
See stadium guide →6.Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City, United States · 1973 · Lease through 2031
One of the prettiest parks in Major League Baseball, with its outfield fountains, still has a problem: the Royals want a downtown ballpark. When the lease expires, the Truman Sports Complex could be left half empty.
See stadium guide →7.Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes
Mexico City, Mexico · 1946 · Real-estate pressure
The old Estadio Azul, wedged between the Plaza México bullring and one of the city's most expensive districts, has spent years cycling through tenants and property proposals. Its value per square metre works against it.
See stadium guide →8.Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez
Santiago, Chile · 1938 · Full overhaul under debate
A national historic monument and, at the same time, a ground with a running track, ageing concourses and a capacity cut for safety. The debate is not whether it gets demolished outright, but how much of the original bowl survives the overhaul.
Not everything ends in rubble: the Bernabéu and the Azteca proved a radical overhaul can save a historic building. But the window to visit some of these grounds is already closing. Add them to your Staddius wishlist.