What’s the maximum capacity at the ‘new’ Santiago Bernabéu?

Real Madrid has been refining an ambitious and extensive project to remodel its stadium. The Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most iconic venues in world football, and Florentino Pérez is well aware of this. For over a decade, the president of the club has considered making significant improvements to elevate the stadium to another level.

The Santiago Bernabéu has undergone multiple renovations since replacing the Estadio Chamartín, aiming to embrace modernity and reflect the grandeur of the club. The Bernabéu stands as the fortress of Los Blancos and has been witness to some of the most epic feats of Madrid. In Florentino’s new project, one of the main objectives is precisely to highlight both the majesty of the club’s history and the building itself.

In this regard, one of the most promising changes is the façade, which looks set to be one of the most impressive and represents the most radical transformation in appearance. The new steel cover will allow for the projection of images to the outside world. Inside, the turf and retractable roof are the two standout changes, designed with the aim of transforming it into a multidisciplinary venue. Additionally, renovations to the VIP boxes and seat changes in the stands are underway.

New capacity of the Bernabéu

Due to these modifications, the stadium’s capacity will also be altered. Currently accommodating 81,000 spectators, according to the latest updates shared by Pérez regarding the project, there will be an expansion of more than three thousand seats, bringing the capacity closer to 85,000.

The New Bernabéu: a multi-million dollar investment

In late November 2023, Real Madrid announced an increase in the cost of the remodelling works, prompting the board of directors to agree to seek a loan of €370 million (c.$395 m). With this loan, the total cost of the property rose to a grand total of €1.17 billion (c.$1.25 b).

During this announcement, Florentino Pérez asserted that the new stadium would mark a new beginning in the club’s history: “The new Bernabéu will change the history of Real Madrid. It is a dream that will shape our destiny,” he proudly claimed.