4 Reasons Why Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Is Covered

In this post, I will share with you why Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is covered. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a football stadium located in Madrid, Spain.

Its construction was completed in 1947, marking the beginning of its long-standing role as the home stadium for Real Madrid.

Boasting an impressive seating capacity of 81,044, it ranks as the second-largest stadium in Spain. This stadium pays tribute to Santiago Bernabéu, an esteemed footballer and president of Real Madrid from 1943 to 1978.

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has hosted the prestigious final matches of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League on four remarkable occasions: in 1957, 1969, 1980, and 2010.

With that being said, if you be with me, you will be learning about the reasons why santiago bernabeu stadium is covered. Let’s dive into the reasons behind the decision to cover the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

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1. Renovations And Construction

One of the reasons why Santiago Bernabeu is covered is because there is an ongoing renovation and construction in the stadium.

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is currently undergoing an awe-inspiring €525-million renovation project that aims to redefine the stadium’s capabilities and offer an enhanced experience for players and fans.

Initially, it was said to begin in the summer of 2017, but the project commenced in 2019 and is set to span several years, with an expected completion date in 2023.

One of the primary goals of the renovation is to increase the stadium’s capacity by approximately 4,000 seats, making the capacity over 85,000.

This expansion will be achieved through the addition of an extra tier, allowing more supporters to witness the thrilling matches held within its grounds.

Moreover, the height of the stadium will be moved by ten meters. A standout feature of the renovation is the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, including a retractable roof and a retractable pitch.

These additions will revolutionize the stadium’s functionality, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay and a suitable playing environment, regardless of adverse weather conditions.

The retractable roof will shield the stadium from rain, snow, or extreme heat, allowing matches to proceed seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the retractable pitch will enable the stadium floor to be used for a multitude of purposes, ranging from hosting concerts to other events, expanding the stadium’s versatility and revenue-generating potential.

As part of the renovation, Real Madrid plans to sell the naming rights to the revamped stadium, aligning with modern sports marketing practices.

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This planned move presents an opportunity for a brand to become synonymous with one of the world’s most iconic football venues, gaining global recognition. The renovation process itself is an engineering marvel.

To minimize disruption to the football season, the construction team is using Roman techniques by raising the top of the stadium while keeping the venue operational.

The inner ring of the stadium will be lifted using hydraulic jacks, bridge technology, and ski lifts, mimicking the methods employed by the Romans.

This approach allows for a short period of construction during the summer months, respecting the sporting calendar and minimizing inconvenience for players and fans.

If you ask me, the transformed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will not only be a football mecca but also a year-round tourist attraction. The renovations will introduce an array of amenities, including an increased number of restaurants, a shopping center, and even a hotel with select rooms offering breathtaking views of the pitch.

The stadium’s vision encompasses becoming the “digital stadium of the future,” equipped with a state-of-the-art 360-degree screen and a retractable roof.

These features will enable the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to transcend its role as a matchday venue, creating a hub within the city that vibrates with life throughout the year.

Under the guidance of Tristán López Chicheri, the individual overseeing the renovation, the project has been expedited to take advantage of the temporary suspension of La Liga due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This acceleration includes interior work, resulting in the unplayability of the pitch and prompting Real Madrid to temporarily relocate their matches to the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium until the completion of the renovation. The renovation of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium promises to be a game-changer in the world of football.

With its ambitious vision, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to enhancing the fan experience, the renovated stadium will undoubtedly become an unrivaled global destination, captivating visitors and setting new standards for sports venues worldwide.

2. Weather Condition

One of the key reasons for covering the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with a retractable roof is to provide comprehensive weather protection.

This feature ensures that adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, or extreme heat, no longer pose a threat to the smooth progress of matches.

The retractable roof guarantees uninterrupted gameplay and maintains a comfortable and suitable environment for players and supporters. Heavy rain, which often occurs in many regions can significantly impact football matches.

Without adequate protection, a sudden downpour can render the pitch waterlogged and affect the players’ ability to control the ball and maintain their footing.

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With the retractable roof, the stadium can swiftly close off the playing area, safeguarding it from rain showers. This guide not only ensures the smoothness of the game but also prevents unnecessary injuries caused by slippery surfaces.

In colder climates where snowfall is common, the covered stadium becomes a sanctuary for players and fans. Snow accumulation on the pitch can create an uneven playing surface and hinder the movement of the ball.

Additionally, extreme colds can pose health risks to players, affecting their performance and increasing the likelihood of injuries.

Another factor is extreme heat which can be a  big challenge during matches, particularly in regions with scorching summers. High temperatures not only affect the players’ physical well-being but also impact their overall performance.

The retractable roof provides shade and reduces direct exposure to intense sunlight, mitigating the effects of heat and ensuring a more comfortable playing environment. This protection is essential for player safety, allowing them to perform at their best without compromising their health.

The inclusion of a retractable roof transforms Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into a versatile and all-weather venue. This feature enables the stadium to adapt to varying climatic conditions, ensuring that matches can proceed as scheduled regardless of the forecast.

The covered stadium offers reliability and consistency in delivering an exceptional football experience.

3. Multi-Purpose

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium’s transformation into a covered venue with a retractable playing surface brings forth a multitude of benefits, particularly in terms of its multi-purpose use.

The inclusion of this feature empowers the stadium to maximize its floor space, allowing for a diverse range of events beyond football matches.

However, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium not only enriches the fan experience but also opens up new revenue streams, solidifying its position as a dynamic entertainment hub. One advantage of the retractable playing surface is the stadium’s ability to host concerts.

With the pitch being housed beneath the stands, the playing surface can be seamlessly retracted, providing a spacious environment for musical performances.

This capability allows the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium attracts popular artists and bands, transforming it into a sought-after concert venue.

Furthermore, the multi-purpose stadium opens doors to a variety of events beyond traditional football matches and concerts. Sporting exhibitions, international tournaments, corporate functions, product launches, and conferences are just a few examples of the diverse range of events that can be hosted within the covered stadium.

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The flexibility afforded by the retractable playing surface allows for quick adaptation to different event requirements, ensuring an easy transition between football fixtures and other gatherings. This positions the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as an attractive place for organizers across different industries, providing them with a state-of-the-art venue for their specific needs.

Honestly, the revenue that a multi-purpose stadium will generate is substantial. The facility can generate additional income through ticket sales, corporate partnerships, concessions, and sponsorship opportunities.

The diverse events not only bolster the stadium’s financial sustainability but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the surrounding area.

The increased footfall and extended use of the stadium throughout the year have a positive effect on local businesses, hotels, and tourism, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a thriving destination.

4. Pitch Maintainance

The installation of lighting systems in the lower section of the stadium marks a significant step towards maintaining excellent visibility during matches.

Adequate lighting is paramount for players, officials, and supporters to accurately see the game’s dynamics and follow the action.

The lighting technology used at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium guarantees brightness across the entire playing surface, removing shadows and creating an atmosphere conducive to gameplay. Whether it is a daytime fixture or an evening encounter, the stadium’s lighting system ensures that every player’s movement and every pass can be seen by all in attendance.

In addition to the lighting systems, the use of an advanced irrigation system underscores the stadium’s commitment to sustaining a high-quality playing surface. Proper hydration is important for maintaining the health of the pitch, especially in Madrid’s diverse climate.

The irrigation system at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is designed to provide efficient watering, allowing the pitch remains well-nourished and able to withstand the rigorous demands of professional football.

The system uses cutting-edge technology to distribute water evenly across the entire playing surface, promoting healthy grass growth, and preventing any areas from becoming dry or waterlogged.

This attention to detail guarantees that the pitch retains its playing characteristics, helping players to show their skills. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium’s unwavering dedication to pitch maintenance extends beyond the matchday.

A team of experts continuously monitors and evaluates the playing surface, with techniques and industry best practices to preserve its quality.

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From routine inspections to targeted treatments, every aspect of pitch maintenance is executed to provide an exceptional playing experience.

Conclusion

Santiago Bernabeu’s decision to cover the stadium is based on different factors such as renovations, weather conditions, multi-purpose, and pitch maintenance.

However, the use of a retractable roof provides weather protection, protecting the stadium from rain, snow, and extreme heat, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay, and maintaining a comfortable environment for players and fans.

Additionally, the retractable playing surface enhances the stadium’s multi-purpose use, allowing it to host concerts and a range of events beyond football matches.

Lastly, the installation of advanced lighting and irrigation systems shows the stadium’s commitment to maintaining its playing surface, making sure of visibility and a well-nourished pitch for better gameplay.