When the season ends, the Santiago Bernabéu doesn't go quiet — it transforms. As the roar of the fans subsides, the stadium enters a new phase of activity marked by cranes, engineers, and innovation. Summer 2025 marks a crucial stage in Real Madrid’s ambition to make their home a global benchmark for multifunctional stadiums.

In the coming weeks, the number of workers on-site will rise as the club accelerates its modernization efforts. Real Madrid is undertaking eight major projects, both inside the stadium and across its surrounding areas, blending structural upgrades, digital transformation, and new visitor experiences.

One of the most visible changes will occur outside the stadium, with urban development advancing near the south end and the Paseo de la Castellana. Granite paving has begun at the intersection of Castellana and Concha Espina, aligning with the new architectural vision. However, unresolved plans for an underground parking facility beneath the Castellana may limit how much of the western façade can be completed this summer.

Flagship Commercial Openings

Two standout additions this summer promise to attract both football fans and visitors alike.

• Starbucks at the Bernabéu: Opening the largest Starbucks in Spain and Portugal, this two-story, 900-square-meter space will be the first Starbucks inside a football stadium in Europe. Beyond coffee, the store will feature a Reserve bar for premium brews, a mixology area inspired by Milanese roasteries, and exclusive Real Madrid-themed merchandise.

• Bernabéu Market: Inspired by Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel, this upscale food hall will bring together gourmet shops, cocktail bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces. Designed to operate year-round, it connects directly to the stadium’s Skybar and 360º panoramic deck, forming a new gastronomic and cultural hub in the heart of Madrid.

Adaptable Infrastructure & Digital Innovation

Real Madrid is also reengineering the stadium’s structure:

• Retractable Stands: The lower rows behind both goals will be demolished and rebuilt as retractable seating. This will allow the field to accommodate longer formats, like NFL games, without sacrificing seating capacity for football matches.

• Second LED Ring: A new digital display ring will circle the top of the second amphitheater, complementing the existing 360º scoreboard and lower LED ring. This immersive visual setup will enable animated replays, real-time stats, and interactive advertising — offering fans an unmatched in-stadium media experience.

Enhanced Safety, Turf Tech, and Sky-Level Leisure

To ensure visitor safety and comfort:

• The Skywalk’s glass partitions are being upgraded with sound-absorbing, anti-fall materials — crucial for both security and noise control during concerts.

• Retractable turf will once again be stored underground during the summer to accommodate events. A new pitch will be installed by late July or early August, ensuring perfect playing conditions for the 2025–26 season kickoff.

Finally, the summer will see the completion of elite indoor venues:

• Skybar and 360º Viewing Platform: Combining luxury dining with stunning views of both the pitch and the Madrid skyline, these spaces will be available on matchdays and to tourists throughout the year — anchoring the club’s vision of a stadium alive 365 days a year.

In every sense, Real Madrid is building a Bernabéu that transcends football. As players rest, machines move. This summer is about evolution — turning concrete into culture, and a stadium into a destination.

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