AS Roma to Build New Stadium in Rome, Italy

U.S. Ownership Group Partners with ParsItalia and Cushman & Wakefield on New 55,000-60,000-seat Stadium to Open in 2016

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Dec 31, 2012, 08:59 ET

KISSIMMEE, Fla., Dec. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, AS Roma's front office, led by U.S.-based AS Roma President Jim Pallotta, announced plans to build a new stadium in Rome in time for the team's 2016-2017 season. The announcement was made during the club's first annual Winter Training at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The location for the new stadium will be Tor di Valle, in the southwest part of the city. Roma's new stadium will offer 55,000 to 60,000 Roma fans an intimate experience to see the Giallorossi in a state-of-the-art venue worthy of the three-time Serie A champions with nine Coppa Italia titles and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

"Building a new stadium for AS Roma has always been our goal," said Pallotta. "We will construct a stadium that will deliver an unparalleled experience for our passionate and loyal fans, as well as one capable of hosting a Champion's League final in the near future. This will also provide global brands the opportunity to reach a world-wide audience through this truly unique platform – elite football in Rome in a world-class stadium."

The new stadium will be the dedicated home for the storied Italian club. The team has shared Stadio Olimpico with city rivals Lazio since 1960.

"Rome is a city of special stadia, from the Coliseum to the Olympic Stadium," said newly-appointed AS Roma CEO Italo Zanzi. "Today, we take the first substantial step towards a new home for AS Roma – a stadium that will be second to none; a home not only for the team, but for our fans in Rome and from around the world."

The patient and professional process of selecting a location for AS Roma's first stadium was supported by internationally-recognized commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, and will be developed and managed by leading Italian real estate firm Grupo ParsItalia.

Luca Parnasi, CEO of Grupo ParsItalia added: "The construction of a new stadium for AS Roma will not only strengthen the team's global presence; it will also contribute to the revitalization of the distressed Italian economy, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the next 24 months."

The construction of a new stadium is the latest global brand-enhancing and revenue-generating move that AS Roma President Jim Pallotta has made since acquiring the team in December 2011.

With regard to AS Roma's growing presence in the United States, Pallotta said: "It is important to AS Roma that we make this historic announcement on the training fields of our new partner, Disney, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. As one of the world's strongest brands in sports, ESPN is a natural partner for AS Roma in our efforts to become the international soccer team of choice for a new generation of fans in the United States and abroad. With AS Roma merchandise now available in Disney stores across the country, we are excited to bring the Roma experience to American fans."

About AS Roma
Founded in 1927, the legendary AS Roma plays in world-renowned Italian Serie A football league. The Rome-based professional team has won three Serie A titles, nine Coppa Italia titles and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. AS Roma's youth academy regularly produces more Serie A players than any other club-sponsored academy in Italy. The Giallorossi, who call Rome's Stadio Olimpico home, is the only Italian League team to be owned by a group based in the United States. The Boston-based group is led by Raptor Group's Founder and Chairman Jim Pallotta. For more information on AS Roma, please visit www.asroma.it.