Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the most successful and famous football clubs in the world.

The stadium has a capacity of over 81,000. It has hosted many memorable matches and events, such as the 1982 World Cup final, the 2010 Champions League final, and the 2013 Copa del Rey final. However, if you visit the stadium, you will notice that a large tarpaulin covers some seats. Why is that?

The reason why Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has some of its seats covered is that it is undergoing a major renovation project that will transform it into a state-of-the-art venue. The project started in 2019 and is expected to be completed by late 2023 or early 2024. The project will cost around €575 million and will be financed by Real Madrid and a loan from JP Morgan.

Why cover the entire Stadium?

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is located in Madrid, which can experience extreme temperatures in the summer and winter months. The covering provides shade to fans during hot summer days and protects them from rain during the wetter months.

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This not only makes the experience of watching a football match more comfortable for fans and protects them from any potential health risks associated with extreme weather conditions.

In addition to protecting fans, the covering enhances the stadium’s acoustics. The cover helps to contain the noise generated by fans, amplifying the sound and creating an intense atmosphere for players and spectators alike. This is particularly important for a club like Real Madrid, which is known for its passionate fans who are often referred to as the “twelfth man.”

The covering also serves a practical purpose by allowing the stadium to be used for other events beyond football matches. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has been used for concerts, conferences, and other events, and the covering protects attendees while allowing the events to take place in an open-air setting.

Some features of the New Design:

The renovation project will include several features to enhance the stadium’s appearance, functionality, and sustainability. Some of the main features are:

• A retractable roof that will cover the entire stadium and allow it to host events in any weather condition.
• A retractable pitch that will slide out of the stadium and be stored under the stands. This will allow the stadium to host different events, such as concerts, without damaging the grass.
• A 360-degree video scoreboard that will hang from the roof and provide high-quality images and sound.
• New private boxes, hospitality areas, restaurants, shops, and museums will offer a premium experience for fans and visitors.
• A new facade will give the stadium a modern and elegant look. The facade will also have LED lighting to create different effects and colours.
• A new underground car park will increase the parking capacity and reduce traffic congestion around the stadium.
• A new energy-efficient system that will reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint and save water and electricity.