REAL MADRID
When will Real Madrid’s new Bernabéu stadium be finished?
The construction is in its final stretch and Los Blancos have communicated to some fan representatives of its intention when to hold the grand opening.
Real Madrid had a rehearsal on Saturday in the Dallas Clásico for how to play indoors. The temperature was, after all, over 97ºF / 36ºC at the time of the game. It will have given the players a little insight of what it will be like, when circumstances make it advisable, to play in the newly developed Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. An ever closer reality.
The stadium works are in their final phase and the club is has already set a provisional date for its inauguration: Saturday 23 December 2023. This was the message given to representatives of some of the club’s fan groups so that they could be prepared to celebrate the complete reopening in style.
The date chosen falls neatly into a window left on the calendar by the Christmas break (Madrid visit Alavés on December 20), and still allows the first team players time to celebrate Christmas Eve with their families, as well as top artists and distinguished fans from other fields of sport and culture.
Of course, there’s still almost five months left in which, as has been the case up to now, sporting activity will coexist with the construction. But these will be less and less visible, and more discreet. Those involved are working against the clock to, as per last summer, have everything ready for the first league game at the Bernabéu. This will be on either September 2 or 3, against Getafe.
Until the official stadium inauguration, the team has eight LaLiga games scheduled and will also have to play another three in the Champions League group stage.
Given the progress already made, the stadium appearance for that opening match will be very similar to what it will look like once the renovations are finished. The requirements that affect the pitch itself will be virtually completed. Fans will be able to enjoy, some from brand new seats, the new retractable grass, the roof and the new LED rings that will provide a unique experience.
Meanwhile, other parts of the stadium, including the commercial aspects, will be finally unveiled in December, just in time to take advantage of the Christmas season. Along with Easter, this is the high season for tourism in the capital.
Madrid’s big games for 2024
Rather handily, the league calendar has left the big games that Madrid play at home for 2024.
The Clásico against Barcelona (April 21), the derby against Atlético (February 4) and the visits from Seville (February 25) and Athletic Bilbao (March 31) will have the new Bernabéu atmosphere in full swing The first game expected will be on January 3 against Mallorca.
What a gift awaits to fulfill the dreams of many Real Madrid fans this Christmas.