the Santiago Bernabeu, the heart of the world’s greatest soccer club, Real Madrid, is getting a whole new look. the massive stadium renovation project, which began in 2019, is in its final stages, and the club recently unveiled its astronomical cost. Learn all about the Bernabeu’s transformation from a soccer field to a futuristic cultural center.

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a €1.3 billion megaproject, financed by loans

according to Real Madrid’s official announcement, the total cost of the Santiago Bernabeu modernization is a whopping €1.3 billion. that’s the amount the club has financed through long-term loans – it says its current debt stands at €1.1 billion – and the cost includes state-of-the-art technology such as a retractable roof and a removable grass pitch that is stored underground.

beyond soccer fields to ‘mixed-use entertainment spaces’

it’s clear why Real Madrid has taken on so much debt to renovate. it’s to create a “365-day living space” that generates revenue even when there are no soccer games. in addition to soccer, the new Bernabeu will be able to host a variety of events, including

big concerts: The stadium generates huge revenue by hosting international pop stars like Taylor Swift. these are currently on hiatus due to noise issues, but will resume after soundproofing improvements.
NFL (American football) games: The stadium can handle soccer and other sizes with its removable pitch technology, and plans to attract American football fans from across Europe.
cultural and corporate events: Utilize our state-of-the-art facilities to host conferences, fairs, and other events.

real Madrid expects to generate more than €150 million in additional income annually from this multi-purpose use. this significantly increases the club’s financial stability and provides a strong foundation for reinvestment in soccer, including player acquisition.

independent financial management, separated from club operations

interestingly, this huge stadium renovation budget is managed separately from the club’s general finances. real Madrid reported revenues of €1.2 billion and a cash balance of €166 million for the 2023-24 season, but this did not include stadium-related expenses, which is analyzed as a financial strategy to ensure that the stadium project does not directly affect the club’s player acquisition policy or operations.

by the 2025-26 season, when the final soundproofing work is completed, the Santiago Bernabeu will be more than just a shrine to soccer, it will be Madrid’s premier entertainment hub. Along with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it will serve as an important example of a new business model for football clubs in the future.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. what will the stadium capacity be after the remodel?

A. The capacity will increase slightly to approximately 83,186 seats, making it the second largest stadium in Spain after Camp Nou, with a significant increase in VIP seats, which will contribute to improved profitability.

Q. what is the ‘removable pitch’ technology?

A. It’s a technology that divides a natural grass pitch for soccer matches into several huge pieces, which are moved and stored in a specialized facility four floors underground when not in use. This allows concerts or other sporting events to be held on the pitch without damaging the grass. the underground storage facility controls the optimal temperature, humidity, and lighting to keep the turf in top condition.

Q. will the remodeling increase ticket prices?

A. The club president has promised that the renovation will be financed by a bank loan and will not increase ticket prices. rather, the additional income from utilizing the stadium will strengthen the club’s finances.