Cagliari take key step forward with plans for new 25,200-capacity stadium named after Italy icon

Cagliari's decade-long pursuit of a new stadium has taken another significant step forward after an international tender was launched for the construction and management of their proposed new home.

The new venue, named after Italian football icon Gigi Riva, is moving closer to becoming a reality.

Cagliari's decade-long stadium plans handed long-awaited boost

Interested parties now have 60 days to submit bids for the public-private partnership contract, with Cagliari City Council responsible for evaluating the proposals and selecting a preferred bidder.

The development follows approval of the club's stadium plans by the city council in July, with an initial capacity of 25,200 and the potential to expand to 30,000.

Cagliari have played at the temporary Unipol Domus since the 2017/18 season, following the closure of the Stadio Sant'Elia, which was due to be demolished and completely rebuilt.

The project is expected to cost more than €218m (£182m), with the Region of Sardinia committing €50m (£40m) and the Municipality of Cagliari pledging a further €10m (£7m).

Club president Tommaso Giulini welcomed the latest development, describing it as a decisive moment for the project.

“This is not an announcement, not a promise: it is a fact,” he said. “After years of hard work, resources invested and so many people who never stopped pushing. Today the new stadium enters a crucial phase, and this time the future must become a reality.”

Construction is expected to take 40 months, with the design developed by Progetto CMR, Sportium and Manica Architecture.

The plans also include a 126-room five-star hotel within the main stand, a 2,000-square-metre conference centre and a neighbouring 4,200-square-metre spa and wellness facility.

The proposed stadium is also among 16 venues shortlisted by the Italian Football Federation for Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey.

FGG says: Cagliari's new stadium finally moves towards reality

After a decade of uncertainty and temporary arrangements, this is arguably the most encouraging development yet for Cagliari supporters.

The proposed venue offers considerably more than increased capacity, with its hotel, hospitality and wellness facilities potentially creating a major destination for the city.

There is still a lengthy construction process ahead, but the launch of the tender gives the long-awaited project a tangible next step.