Como begin Sinigaglia demolition to meet UEFA rules for Europe
Como 1907 have begun demolishing the Curva Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia as they race to meet UEFA requirements and protect the commercial upside of hosting European matches by Lake Como.
Como 1907 have started major demolition works at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, targeting rapid upgrades that would allow the club to host European fixtures at their lakeside home rather than relocating to an alternative venue.The club has begun the complete removal of the Curva Como behind the goal, traditionally home to their most vocal support, after UEFA requirements ruled out the existing tubular steel structure for international matches.The Curva Como will be replaced by a prefabricated reinforced-concrete stand, lifting that sector’s capacity from 3,960 to 4,255 seats and nudging the stadium’s Serie A capacity from 12,064 to 12,379.The away section is also set to expand slightly from 980 to 1,000 seats, with the project designed to deliver stronger matchday functionality as well as compliance.Plans include toilets, storage, food and beverage outlets, a club shop and operational logistics space built into the new structure, reflecting a shift towards higher-yield, service-led matchday design.UEFA’s licensing threshold is a key driver, with the governing body requiring at least 8,000 seats installed in permanent concrete structures, a standard Como’s current metal stands did not satisfy.Even with the rebuild, parts of the ground are expected to remain below full UEFA compliance, with sections of the Distinti, Curva Ospiti and Tribuna EST likely to be closed for European fixtures.That means capacity for international matches could fall to 10,884 despite the domestic increase, a trade-off that underlines the operational complexity of upgrading an older venue in a constrained, high-profile location.The Curva demolition is also a cultural moment, ending a 24-year run for a stand that has become a defining feature of the stadium’s identity, with local supporters gathering to document its final days.Como have also turned elements of the dismantling into a fan and community programme, selling removed blue stadium seats for €25 each with proceeds directed to charity.Work extends beyond the new stand, with a full pitch replacement scheduled to begin on June 3 and the playing surface widened by 2.5 metres towards the main stand to meet UEFA requirements.The changes will require relocation of dugouts and the players’ tunnel, plus additional undersoil heating, with the club targeting readiness ahead of the Como Cup on July 28.Accessibility and security updates are included, with 10 new wheelchair positions and accompanying seats, lower perimeter fencing and redesigned security zones aligned to UEFA and Italian police standards.Como are also planning updated media and technical parking arrangements and a new sponsor and VIP food and beverage zone beneath the EST stand, aiming to convert the venue’s location into higher hospitality demand.The club is targeting completion of the most critical works by mid-September and has asked to play its first two Serie A matches of the new season away from home to buy additional delivery time.