Como Plans Sinigaglia Stadium Upgrade for European Matches

Italian club Como 1907, in collaboration with the Como Municipality, has announced a comprehensive plan to transform Sinigaglia Stadium into a facility meeting UEFA Category 4 standards. This initiative, unveiled by club president Mirwan Suwarso and Mayor Alessandro Rapinese, aims to allow the team to play its continental matches at home in front of its fans, thereby avoiding the need to relocate to alternative venues next season.

The construction work involves dismantling and rebuilding the East Stand, known as "Curva Como." This section will be reconstructed using permanent concrete or integrated steel structures to replace the current tubular framework, which does not meet UEFA's requirements. Commenting on these plans, Mayor Alessandro Rapinese stated, "We are in control of matters in the city, and practically speaking, this problem is solvable." This reflects the commitment of local Italian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal and construction procedures to ensure the facility's readiness.

The renovation process will also include expanding the pitch by two meters and upgrading media facilities. Additionally, 150 dedicated parking spaces for VIPs and guests will be provided, in line with Category 4 requirements, which permit hosting knockout stage matches up to the semi-finals. The club aims to commence work immediately after the current season concludes, with the goal of completing the new structure by next summer, ensuring the stadium is ready to host its first European fixtures in September.

This strategic move aims to avoid the option of relocating to the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, which the club had previously identified as an alternative in its application to UEFA. These modifications are intended to upgrade the stadium, currently an old regional facility, enabling it to meet the stringent requirements of future continental competitions.