IOC Praises Milan Arena Progress Ahead of Winter Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong approval of construction progress at Milan’s new Santa Giulia Arena, just weeks before the start of the Winter Olympics. The 16,000-seat venue, designed to host ice hockey during the Games, recently staged its first test events despite not being fully completed.
Officials from the IOC and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) highlighted significant improvements since their last visit, praising the quality of the seating bowl and construction oversight. Around 22,000 spectators attended several test matches, including top-level Italian ice hockey fixtures, offering confidence in the facility’s readiness. The smoothness of the ice and operational aspects have impressed international officials, who anticipate the rink will meet competition standards.
With the Olympics due to begin on 6 February, organisers are keen to finalise remaining work. The arena, created by David Chipperfield Architects with engineering by Arup, is expected to become Italy’s largest indoor venue once fully operational.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/12/ioc-praises-milan-arena-progress-ahead-of-winter-olympics/
Feyenoord Seeking to Lock Down De Kuip Land
Feyenoord Rotterdam is moving to secure the land around its historic De Kuip stadium as part of preparations for future development. The club is in negotiations to purchase or otherwise gain long-term rights over parcels adjacent to the existing arena, with the aim of enabling improvements or even a complete rebuild of the iconic ground.
De Kuip has long been cherished by fans but is regarded by the club’s leadership as outdated compared with modern stadia. Securing the surrounding land is viewed as a critical early step for any substantive regeneration plan, allowing Feyenoord flexibility in design and investment.
While specific proposals for a new De Kuip have not yet been announced, the club’s efforts reflect a desire to future-proof its home and support commercial growth. Discussions involve municipal authorities and local stakeholders, balancing heritage considerations with long-term sporting and economic objectives.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/07/feyenoord-seeking-to-lock-down-de-kuip-land/
RC Toulon Lining Up New Stadium
French rugby union club RC Toulon is progressing plans for a new stadium to replace its existing home. The move stems from a desire to modernise facilities and enhance revenue opportunities as the club seeks to compete at the highest levels domestically and in Europe.
While details remain in development, the club has engaged consultants and local authorities to advance feasibility studies and identify potential sites. The proposed stadium is expected to offer improved spectator amenities, commercial spaces, and year-round utilisation beyond matchdays. Toulon’s leadership underlines the need for infrastructure that reflects the club’s stature and ambitions, noting that current facilities, though historic, limit growth potential. Discussions are ongoing with municipal and regional bodies to ensure alignment with broader urban planning objectives, including transport access and environmental considerations.
The project remains at a preliminary stage, with timelines for planning permission and construction yet to be confirmed.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/12/rc-toulon-lining-up-new-stadium/
Nottingham Forest Advance Iconic Stadium Expansion Plans
Nottingham Forest has unveiled ambitious proposals to significantly expand its historic City Ground stadium on the banks of the River Trent. The club’s planning documents outline a phased redevelopment of three sides of the ground, aiming to boost capacity from around 31,000 to approximately 45,000 seats initially, with potential to reach about 52,500 in later stages.
Central to the first phase is the demolition and reconstruction of the Peter Taylor Stand, along with infilling of the Trent End corners, designed to improve sightlines, acoustics, and overall atmosphere. The Brian Clough Stand is also earmarked for future renewal. Forest stresses the importance of remaining at their traditional site rather than relocating, citing strong fan demand and sporting momentum, including recent qualifications for European competition.
Plans also include public realm improvements along the Trent waterfront, creating new pedestrian routes and spaces. Council decisions on the applications will shape the long-term future of both the stadium and the area.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2026/01/england_nottingham_forest_will_expand_its_iconic_stadium_riskily_large_capacity
New Stadium for Como Moves Closer After City Approval
A major milestone has been reached in plans for a new stadium for Italian club Como 1907, with formal approval from the city clearing the way for next design stages. Proposals focus on redeveloping the historic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, set within a sensitive lakeside location that balances sport, urban space, and heritage.
Local authorities consider the project part of a wider strategy to revitalise the waterfront, enhance public amenities and integrate sporting facilities more fully into city life. Early designs faced critical feedback from heritage bodies concerned about scale and impact on the visual landscape. In response, revisions have reduced overall massing and increased glazing to respect views of Lake Como and historic architecture.
Challenges remain around site safety and transport logistics, and a full technical design addressing these issues must be submitted before construction can begin. Despite these hurdles, the project now rests on firmer administrative footing and has taken a significant step towards delivery.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2026/01/italy_green_light_from_the_city_a_new_stadium_for_como_is_getting_closer
Elland Road Expansion Given Green Light
Leeds United has secured planning permission for a long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium that will increase capacity to around 53,000. Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel voted overwhelmingly in favour of the project, which involves enlarging the West and North stands and modifying the South Stand to deliver improved facilities and sightlines. The upgrade is aimed at enhancing matchday experience while preserving the character and renowned atmosphere of the historic ground, home since 1919.
Once complete, Elland Road will meet UEFA Category 4 criteria, positioning the club to host major international matches and events in future. Extensive public consultations fed into design revisions, with local support emphasising benefits such as reduced season-ticket waiting lists and broader community investment. Construction is scheduled to begin after the current season, with the stadium remaining operational throughout the works. The expansion also forms part of wider neighbourhood regeneration plans that include new homes and leisure developments.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/09/elland-road-expansion-given-green-light/
Czech Republic: New Stadium Must Wait as Brno Picks Modernisation
While FC Zbrojovka Brno has long aspired to build a new stadium at the Lužánky site, the city has opted instead to focus on modernising the existing Srbská stadium. Plans unveiled for the iconic Královo Pole ground envisage a comprehensive renovation rather than new construction, aiming to bring it up to contemporary standards while retaining its central location.
Visualisations show a more compact, fully covered stadium with all-seating, improved sightlines and upgraded facilities. Local authorities estimate the modernisation could cost around one billion Czech crowns, with funding models involving public-private partnerships under discussion. The phased approach prioritises meeting top-tier league requirements and solving issues such as lighting, parking and noise. Immediate works include replacing seats and installing modern lighting and media systems ahead of the next season, minimising disruption to fixtures.
While a new stadium remains a long-term dream, the city believes updating Srbská is the fastest way to support the club’s aspirations and retain its place in European competition.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2026/01/czech_republic_new_stadium_must_wait_brno_focuses_on_modernizing_current_facility
Falkirk Stadium Land Lined Up for Sports Hub
Falkirk Council has identified land behind Falkirk Stadium, home to the local Premiership football club, as the preferred location for a proposed new community sports and leisure hub. A report is due before councillors recommending progression to a feasibility study and full business case, with detailed planning and cost assessments expected in 2027. The proposed hub would form a central element of a ten-year Sport and Leisure Strategy, offering facilities such as a competition pool, teaching pool, fitness suite, multi-court halls and specialist sports areas.
The proposal arises from extensive community engagement indicating strong local demand for modern, inclusive activity spaces. Sportscotland has also highlighted Falkirk’s strategic position for hosting regional and national events, bolstering the site’s suitability. Although the stadium land is seen as ideal due to its size and accessibility, no funding has yet been allocated, and the project’s future depends on council approval and resource planning.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/09/falkirk-stadium-land-lined-up-for-sports-hub/
