Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid stadium, one of the most successful football teams in the world, is located in Madrid and is known as one of the most modern and well-equipped stadiums in the world. You can visit this beautiful stadium by purchasing a European tour. You do not have to be a hardcore football fan to have heard of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It is not just a stadium but also an extraordinary piece of urban architecture and one of the landmarks of Spain.
If you want to learn more about this stadium and the reasons for its popularity and fame, stay with us until the end of this article.
History of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Construction of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium began in 1944, and it was officially inaugurated three years later with a football match between Real Madrid and a Portuguese team. At that time, the stadium was called Nuevo Estadio Chamartín and retained this name until 1955, when it was renamed after the club president, Santiago Bernabeu.
Nuevo Estadio Chamartín originally had a capacity of 75,000 spectators, but only 27,000 seats were available, so the majority of the audience had to watch the game standing.
This stadium has hosted the final matches of the European Champions League four times, which are the final of the 1964 European Nations’ Cup, the 1982 FIFA World Cup final, and the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.
Renovation of the New Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
This iconic stadium has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its existence, with each renovation significantly improving its facilities and equipment. The first renovation took place in 1954, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 125,000 spectators.
In the 1980s, as the stadium prepared to host the 1982 FIFA World Cup, significant renovations took place, making it more modern and up to FIFA standards. These renovations led to a reduction in capacity.
In the 2000s, under current Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, the stadium underwent a more extensive renovation. These included new seating areas, a new press box, a modern sound system, modern elevators with beautiful views of the stadium, new restaurants, escalators, and improved seating quality.
The most ambitious renovation began in 2019 and cost the club between 800 and 900 million euros. These renovations include increasing the capacity of the stadium, building a retractable roof for rainy days, and installing innovative retractable pitch technology that allows the club to host various events without damaging the turf. In addition, more restaurants, bars, and a shopping mall were added.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tour
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Visitors can walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the locker rooms, and see the press room.
The tour also includes a visit to the club’s museum, where you can view Real Madrid’s numerous trophies and learn about the club’s rich history. It is a must-visit for football fans and those interested in the legacy of Real Madrid.
Before booking a tour to Spain and visiting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, it is important to know that the Santiago Bernabeu Tour tickets depend on several key factors, including the number of days of travel, the season, and the type of hotel you book. In general, traveling to Europe is more expensive than traveling to other Asian countries.
Features of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has always been one of the most unique stadiums in the world, and with recent renovations, it might now be the most modern. Some key features of the updated Santiago Bernabeu include:
The renovated stadium is expected to generate 150 million euros in annual revenue for the club.
The stadium has a system for collecting the pitch after matches, which allows the grass to be stored in the areas below the stadium.
Uses the most advanced audio and visual technologies, including a 360-degree screen to view grades, ads, and information.
Real Madrid has also set up a museum within the stadium that highlights the club’s achievements and its prominent players.
Santiago Bernabeu is not just a football stadium; it hosts various political events and concerts.
Retractable Pitch at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The management of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium wanted to use the venue for events beyond football, so they designed a retractable pitch system. This system features six platforms that can transport the entire pitch into an underground greenhouse.
When there are no matches, the pitch is stored 30 meters below ground in a space measuring 2,640 square meters. Tristan López Chicheri, one of the project leaders, explains that the space functions as a greenhouse. The room below the stadium maintains all the parameters needed to care for, repair, and keep the grass in excellent condition.
Another reason for the underground greenhouse is the stadium’s architecture. With high walls and a closed roof, the stadium does not allow enough natural light or fresh air to reach the pitch. Advanced greenhouse technology ensures that the grass remains healthy despite these conditions.
Retractable Roof of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The retractable roof is another impressive feature of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, designed to close during snow or rain to ensure optimal conditions for matches. With both the roof and the retractable pitch, the stadium can also host non-sporting events like concerts.
The roof consists of two massive panels, each weighing 800 tons and measuring 144 meters in length. It takes between 15 to 20 minutes to fully open or close the roof. At first, UEFA opposed closing the roof during Real Madrid’s games, but they recently changed their position.
For the 2024 Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, UEFA granted permission to close the roof for the first time.
The roof consists of two huge panels, each weighing 800 tons and 144 meters long. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to fully open or close the roof. At first, UEFA was against closing the ceiling on Real Madrid matches, but they recently changed their position.
For the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City in 2024, UEFA has given permission for the roof to be closed for the first time.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Rules
When visiting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, follow these simple rules: do not smoke, do not bring large bags or backpacks, and avoid outside food or drink.
Always be respectful of stadium staff and other visitors. Photography is allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in some areas. Enjoy your visit, and help keep the stadium clean and safe.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Map
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium seat map is divided into several sections. The main areas include the lower tier, known as the “General,” and the upper tiers, including the “Preferential” and “VIP” sections. The “VIP” seats offer the best views and extra amenities.
There are also special sections for away fans and media. Each area provides a different experience, so you can choose a seat based on your preferences for comfort and view.
Real Madrid Stadium Tour Price
The price for a tour of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium varies depending on the type of tour you choose. Standard tours generally cost around 20-30 euros per person.
Prices may be higher for a more in-depth experience with additional features, such as a guided tour. It’s a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets in advance.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tickets
There are different ways to buy tickets for Real Madrid games at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. You can buy tickets online through Santiago Bernabeu Stadium’s official website or Ticketmaster, or you can buy them at the stadium’s ticket office.
Regular tickets go on sale a week before the game, but VIP tickets can be bought earlier. Since most games do not sell out except for a few very important matches, you usually do not need to pay extra for VIP tickets if you buy your tickets a few days in advance.
Visiting Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
To visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, you can use the tours organized by the club. These tours are self-guided and allow you to follow a predetermined route through the stadium. On this route, you will visit the bench area, the club president’s box, the press conference room, the players’ tunnel, and the club’s trophy room.
Accessing Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is located in the city center on one of Madrid’s main streets, Paseo de la Castellana. It is better to use Metro Line 10 to get to the stadium, which has a dedicated Santiago Bernabeu station. Alternatively, you can take buses 14 or 27 from Atocha, Paseo del Prado, or Plaza de Cibeles to reach the stadium.
Final Word
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is more than just a place for football. It is a symbol of modern sports architecture and innovation. With its state-of-the-art features, such as a retractable roof and retractable pitch, it offers a unique experience for fans and hosts various events. This magnificent stadium is definitely very attractive for football lovers and fans of modern structures, and a visit to this iconic stadium will surely be memorable.
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