The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid in Spain, has transformed into a technological masterpiece, redefining what a stadium can be. With a retractable roof, 360° video screens, a retractable pitch, and sci-fi-like climate control, this Spain-based icon showcases innovation that elevates Real Madrid’s legacy. Far beyond football, the Santiago Bernabéu embodies technology’s power to reshape experiences, inspiring industries across Spain and globally.
Real Madrid’s retractable roof and pitch
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium features a retractable roof, a sci-fi-inspired feat of technology completed in May 2023. Closing in 35 minutes, it protects fans from Spain’s unpredictable weather, enabling year-round events like concerts and conventions. Paired with an advanced HVAC system, the roof ensures optimal comfort, creating a climate-controlled environment that feels futuristic. This innovation allows Real Madrid to host diverse events, reinforcing the Santiago Bernabéu’s status as a multi-purpose stadium in Spain and boosting economic impact.
The retractable pitch, powered by Sener’s Hypogea system, is a game-changer for Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu. Divided into six trays, the pitch retracts 30 metres underground in six hours, preserved in a climate-controlled chamber with LED lighting and irrigation. This technology, supported by edilon)(sedra’s rail system, ensures a flawless playing surface for La Liga matches while freeing the stadium for non-football events. The retractable pitch showcases Spain’s engineering prowess, making the Santiago Bernabéu a versatile venue for Real Madrid and beyond.
360° video screens, sci-fi climate control, immersive technology at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium boasts 360° video screens, installed in 2024 by Daktronics, delivering immersive visuals across the Spain-based arena. These high-definition displays captivate 81,044 fans with replays and chants, enhancing the matchday experience. A steel facade projects images externally, turning the stadium into a visual spectacle. Integrated digital services, like app-based ordering, ensure convenience, positioning the Santiago Bernabéu as a leader in stadium technology and digital inclusion in Spain.
The Santiago Bernabéu’s climate control blends sci-fi technology with sustainability, a hallmark of Real Madrid’s vision in Spain. Its bioclimatic facade promotes natural ventilation, reducing energy use, while low-toxicity materials and water-saving systems align with Spain’s eco-friendly goals. These features make the stadium a model for sustainable design, showcasing how technology can balance innovation and environmental responsibility in Spain’s sports infrastructure.
Costing over €1 billion, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu renovation, led by L35 and GMP Architecten, overcame urban challenges, financed by JP Morgan and Bank of America. From e-sports to virtual reality tours, this Spain-based stadium is a hub of innovation, inspiring industries beyond sports. The Santiago Bernabéu’s technology reflects Spain’s embrace of digital solutions, urging businesses to adapt. To thrive in a tech-driven world, explore how innovation, like Real Madrid’s, redefines possibilities in Spain and globally.