Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Renovation

Now that the refurbishment is complete, the Santiago Bernabéu boasts the following new features and innovations:

• An enveloping façade formed by curved stainless steel sheets that reflect light in changing ways and adapt to the needs of the new tertiary programme, growing or shrinking without losing their unity. This envelope incorporates technological and audiovisual elements that light up with different colours and designs depending on the occasion.

• A fixed roof covering 28,000 m² and a retractable roof covering 8,000 m² allow the stadium to be used every day of the year, regardless of weather conditions. The retractable roof consists of 12 mobile trusses and inflatable cushions made of a double layer of fluoropolymer-coated PTFE fabric membrane, which are illuminated by LEDs when deployed. The opening and closing process takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

• An automated system for the playing field that allows the stadium to become a multifunctional space, suitable for concerts, conventions, fairs, and various sporting events. The field is divided into six trays measuring 107 metres x 11.67 metres, each weighing approximately 1,500 tonnes. These trays are moved and stored in an underground greenhouse called the Hypogeum, using 24 transport carts. The entire process of moving and storing the playing field takes around six hours. The Hypogeum, located on one side of the stadium, is 30 metres deep and the sections are stacked on top of each other using a hydraulic lifting system. This greenhouse is equipped with ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, control and irrigation systems, which guarantee optimal conditions for the conservation of the turf and facilitate access for its continuous maintenance, without interfering with events in the stadium. The significant feature of this pitch removal and conservation system, compared to others in existence, is that it operates entirely within the perimeter of the stadium, without the need to occupy outdoor spaces. This unique feature makes this system a one-of-a-kind engineering feat.

• A 360-degree video scoreboard suspended from the roof surrounding the entire perimeter of the pitch, the first of its kind in a European stadium. With a height of 6.5 metres at the sides and corners and 11 metres at the ends, its screens are inclined at 8 degrees, forming a truncated cone rather than a cylinder, giving it a design that is unique in the world. This video scoreboard has a 13HD pixel resolution, offering excellent image clarity and contrast from any seat. In addition, it can display a large image or multiple content zones simultaneously, including live video, instant replays, statistics, graphics, animations and sponsorship messages. Ten large screens have also been installed at the rear to provide content and information to spectators in the upper stands. All this is complemented by the installation of an LED ring in the first amphitheatre.

• The Skywalk 360. This is a walkway that runs along the highest part of the stadium, offering impressive views of the interior and the city of Madrid. Open all year round, it is notable for its luxurious sushi restaurant and the Skybar, a VIP restaurant located on the Castellana side. This luxurious 700 m² space, with two terraces of 250 m² each, combines football, gastronomy and entertainment. With more than 400 m² of screens, the design is dynamic and changing, making each visit unique. During matches, the Skybar operates as a VIP ‘super box’ with 200 seats, and its avant-garde design aspires to be a global benchmark. Inspired by traditional Madrid culture, it blends bars, lights and architecture with technological and dynamic elements. It is divided into four main areas: restaurants and nightclubs at either end, a large central bar with a wraparound bottle rack, and stands and VIP boxes for privacy and views of the pitch.

• An underground logistics ring that allows loading and unloading operations to be carried out underground, thus avoiding the occupation of public space. In addition, a vehicle tunnel connected to the loading and unloading circuit has been set up, allowing lorries and large vehicles to access the playing field via a mobile stand.

• A new stand on the east side with capacity for 3,000 spectators. The construction of the fourth east side amphitheatre partially compensates for the loss of seats resulting from the new stadium layout, which has increased the space and comfort of some seats. In addition, all the seats in the stadium have been replaced with navy blue folding seats.
  An increase in the number of seats for people with reduced mobility, the removal of architectural barriers, the creation of new, more convenient access points and the installation of new mechanised communications systems have substantially improved accessibility throughout the stadium.

• New leisure areas, VIP areas, restaurants and entertainment for the general public. Highlights include the expansion of the museum and the creation of a second interactive museum, as well as the construction of an official megastore and the creation of the Bernabéu Market, a 3,000 m² gourmet food market located in the new Plaza de Sagrados Corazones. This market has 25 gastronomic offerings and recreates an urban atmosphere inspired by areas of Tokyo or Hong Kong, with stalls combining stone bars and metal structures. The market is open all year round, but on match days, one section is reserved for Real Madrid guests, while the rest continues to operate normally.
  Redevelopment and landscaping of 66,700 m² around the stadium, including the creation of a large square of more than 20,000 m² on Paseo de la Castellana and another of 5,500 m² in the new Plaza de Sagrados Corazones, which occupies the site of the former shopping centre.

• The Bernabéu Corner on Padre Damián.

• In addition, Rafael Salgado Street has been pedestrianised and a five-storey underground car park with more than 500 parking spaces has been built in Sagrados Corazones Square.