The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, also known as San Siro, has hosted legendary soccer events — from World Cup matches to European Cup finals. With plans for demolition in the next five years, the iconic European stadium will likely take its place on the global stage for the final time in its existence as it hosts the Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday at 2 p.m. ET with prime-time coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

San Siro has been the primary home of two of the most iconic soccer teams in the world, Inter Milan and AC Milan, whose rivalry is among the greatest in sports. That rivalry has helped create an atmosphere unlike any other, with countless high-tension derbies played inside the stadium. The environment was so intense that San Siro was widely regarded as one of the toughest venues to play in Europe for visiting teams.

Inter Milan and AC Milan purchased San Siro and the surrounding area from the city of Milan for €197 million, with the sale completed on Nov. 5, 2025. The clubs plan to demolish the stadium and build a new one in time for it to be ready for the 2032 European Championship, co-hosted by Italy and Turkiye.

San Siro has also hosted icons in the music industry, including Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. The allure of the stadium goes far beyond the sports world. On Friday, San Siro will continue to add to its storied resumé, as Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey and Laura Pausini are set to perform during the Opening Ceremony.

The historic element of this Opening Ceremony is that while the main events will take place at San Siro, additional segments will also occur in Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo. There will also be an identical second cauldron in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona, while the cauldron in Milan will be located at the Arco della Pace.

With athletes spread across northern Italy, competitors will be able to participate in the ceremony without extensive travel, especially with many set to begin competition in the coming days, if they have not already.

The world’s biggest stars will perform, and the top winter athletes will have the opportunity to take part in the iconic Parade of Nations, marching behind their flags. There is a unique variety to this Opening Ceremony, with venues spread out across the region and a strong emphasis on local communities and the showcasing of Italian culture.

The stadium has stood for 99 years and will have one of its final opportunities to take center stage before the entire world as the Milan Cortina Olympics officially begin.