Fans on X.com (formerly Twitter) were stunned by the Santiago Bernabéu renovations during Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich. Outside observers were in awe of the various renovations to the second-largest stadium in Spain, which reopened in December 2023.
The Bernabéu cleans up nice 😍 pic.twitter.com/uj5KjhDjbM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 8, 2024
Santiago Bernabéu renovations explained
Included in the renovation project, which began in 2019, was the building of a retractable roof. This has been used in all of Madrid’s Champions League matches and helps to create a deafening noise inside the stadium.
As well as this, a retractable pitch was added, ensuring that the grass is preserved when it is not in use. This is done by an interior greenhouse that has been built underneath the surface. Eighteen LED displays were also built over the pitch to help the club “offer unique experiences both in its football competitions and in the other multiple uses of the stadium in the future.”
Other sports and events will also be played at the renovated stadium, including NFL basketball and tennis. In addition to this, a concert will be held at the venue every day in the summer, following the conclusion of the football season.
Finally, the hospitality sector of the stadium has massively expanded. A new hotel is being built on one side of the ground, along with various VIP areas for guests to purchase expensive tickets. This will help Madrid’s mission to generate additional income so that they can bridge the gap to European clubs owned by states, such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
BBC Sport released a video explaining the Santiago Bernabéu renovations here. Prominent journalists Sid Lowe and Guillermo Rai offer their insights.
Fan reaction to Santiago Bernabéu renovations
Presenter of La Liga TV, Phil Kitromilides, posted a video of the stadium from the upper tier with the message, “Big vibes at the Bernabéu. Really is SO different on European nights.” @theMadridZone added: “The Bernabéu was UNREAL last night.” Finally, @marymadridista posted a video of the ground, along with two pictures of the pre-match display by the home fans. The caption of the post said, “Can I live here? Bernabéu is f**king incredible.”
Big vibes at the Bernabeu. Really is SO different on European nights. pic.twitter.com/XHFQbd9UDw
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) May 8, 2024
The Bernabéu was UNREAL last night.🤩 pic.twitter.com/tv75F8kgul
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 9, 2024
Can I live here? 😭 Bernabeu is f**king incredible 😭🥺🤍 pic.twitter.com/MPL7ycX3Zg
— Mary (@marymadridista_) May 8, 2024