Santiago Bernabéu Renovation: The Revised Home Base of Real Madrid

The Santiago Bernabéuis the legendary home of Real Madrid and is Spain’s second-largest football stadium today. Its recent renovation has driven it straight to the future, with a stunning steel facade, a wrap-around video scoreboard, a retractable field and roof, and a whole lot more.

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Santiago Bernabéu renovation timeline

1944: Former Spanish footballer Santiago Bernabéu and Rafael Salgado secured funding to purchase land for a grand new stadium—a bold vision for the future of Real Madrid.
1947: That vision came to life with the stadium's official inauguration, laying the foundation for decades of football history.
1955: The Bernabéu underwent its first major expansion, boosting capacity to a staggering 125,000. That same year, the General Assembly of Members Compromisaros honoured the club president by naming the stadium Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
1972: Modernization continued with the installation of the first electronic scoreboard, enhancing the matchday experience.
1994: The stadium saw significant upgrades to improve comfort and security for fans in line with updated UEFA safety standards
2018: President Florentino Pérez unveiled an ambitious plan to completely transform the Bernabéu. The proposal was greenlit at the club’s General Assembly that year.
2019: Construction officially kicked off, marking the beginning of a massive remodelling effort to future-proof the iconic venue.
2022: Originally set as the completion year, progress was slowed due to the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine, pushing timelines further.
2023: Despite delays, the club pushed ahead to complete the renovation in time for the 2023–24 season, ushering in a bold new era for Real Madrid’s legendary home.

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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour Tickets

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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Guided Tour

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1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

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Combo (Save 5%): Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Entry Tickets + Madrid Panoramic Bus Tour

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Combo: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium + Legends - The Home of Football Entry Tickets

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Santiago Bernabéu renovation cost

The latest fleet of renovations to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Real Madrid Museum is reported to have cost a whopping €1.76 billion. This includes the cost of the new primary entrance to the stadium, the entire facade, adding the retractable roof and pitch, and improving the overall accessibility.

Additionally, part of the project also included improving the surrounding neighborhood, including improving the sidewalks, streets, and all sports, commercial, and recreational services.

Frequently asked questions about the Santiago Bernabéu renovation

When was the Santiago Bernabéu renovation completed?

The Santiago Bernabeu’s renovation began in 2019 and ended in 2023, factoring in the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How much did the renovation cost?

The total cost of the stadium’s most recent renovation is said to have amounted to €1.76 billion. This amount also includes the overruns caused by the pandemic and the geopolitical changes in Europe at the time.

Is the Bernabeu wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the stadium and Real Madrid Museum are wheelchair accessible. However, the last floor of the stadium doesn’t have elevator access, which makes it difficult for wheelchair users to access.

Does the Santiago Bernabéu have parking?

The Santiago Bernabéu has parking for about 1000+ vehicles, but these spaces generally cater to match-day requirements. However, you’ll find several paid parking lots nearby, but we recommend arriving via the metro as the stadium also has its very own metro stop.