One of the most iconic arenas in the world of sport, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu is nearing the completion of one of the most expensive upgrades in the history of football.
A new retractable roof and football pitch, a 360 degree screen and an increased capacity of 85 000 fans will see revenue from events and matchdays go to more than €150m per year.
The Bernabeu will host an international friendly between Spain and Brazil under its closed roof this evening with a reduced capacity of 70 000. Construction of the Madrid home ground was set to be completed in 2023, but delays have pushed the final reopening to late 2024.
Real Madrid president Fiorentino Perez has promised the expansion of the Bernabeu will keep Madrid at the pinnacle of the sport and maintain their reputation as the leading club both on and off the pitch.
The cost of renovating the Santiago Bernabeu now stands at €1.76bn, Real Madrid’s interim accounts for the 2023-24 season have shown.
The stadium is expected to be paid off by 2053, representing an average annual cost of €66m.
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— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 25, 2024