Florentino Pérez shed light on key topics at the Real Madrid 2024 General Assembly - from the transformation of the Santiago Bernabéu, to the controversy surrounding the organisation of concerts, to the groundbreaking ‘Infinite Bernabéu’ collaboration. What is behind the name of the new project?

Perez's speech, there was a lot about the Bernabeu

Florentino Pérez's speech at Real Madrid's 2024 General Assembly resonated with many. The club president, who has been in office for 24 years, touched on a number of key topics concerning the transformation of Santiago Bernabéu, the club's relationship with the city of Madrid and the challenges facing modern football.

Being president fills me with pride and is a great honour Pérez began his speech. The focus, however, was on the new Bernabéu stadium project, which has been the subject of much controversy and speculation in recent times.

Pérez did not hide his pride in the achievements of the stadium upgrade. The transformation of the Bernabéu has caused the admiration of the whole world. It is already a world symbol, a monument, a temple. Millions of tourists are amazed by one of the most spectacular works in the world in recent years he said. The stadium, equipped with an advanced pitch movement automation system and other technological innovations, has been transformed into a multi-purpose facility, available 365 days a year. At the same time, the club president referred to the difficulties encountered during the project, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation caused by the war in Ukraine.

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Concerts and car park controversy

Florentino Pérez also addressed media reports that suggested the Bernabéu might not meet licensing requirements. It's unimaginable that we have to read in some toxic digital media that the Bernabéu does not have a licence to perform, he said. He pointed out that hosting concerts at the stadium accounts for just 1% of the club's income.

For this reason, we are putting our stadium at the disposal of the people of Madrid and it will be up to the authorities of our city and our community to decide at any time whether they want it to continue to be one of the main venues in the world for major tours of the international music scene. This is a prestige and also a benefit for Madrid and the ‘brand of Spain’, as it happens in other major world capitals that host events with such characteristics added the Real president.

There has also been controversy over infrastructure issues, such as the construction of a car park near the stadium. The president explained that this project is aimed at improving the quality of life for the residents of Chamartín, the neighbourhood in which the Bernabéu is located. Can anyone understand that playing 25 two-hour football matches a year justifies an investment of almost €100 million? We are ready to do it to improve this neighbourhood with which we have such a close relationship and so many years of living together explained Pérez, stressing that a third of the parking spaces have been reserved for local residents and that it will not be a significant source of income. Being part of Real Madrid is something to be proud of, the president concluded his speech.

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Infinite Bernabéu - another Perez innovation

The Infinite Bernabéu is an ambitious project that aims to allow fans from around the world to experience the excitement of a Real Madrid match, wherever they are. Using immersive reality technology, spectators will be able to use special VR goggles and experience the match, as if they were actually in the stands at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The idea was born in response to the growing demand for tickets to Real Madrid matches. The Bernabéu stadium, although impressive in its capacity, is unable to accommodate all the eager fans. This is a problem. Everyone wants to come to the Santiago Bernabéu and that's why we are negotiating with Apple, to be able to put on glasses and watch the game as if you were in the stadium, it would be an infinite Santiago Bernabéu, Pérez explained.

The technology that Real Madrid wants to introduce is based on immersive virtual reality systems. With special VR goggles, the user will be able to watch the match broadcast in a way that simulates being in the stadium - with a full view of the stands, the fans and the atmosphere of the match. As Pérez explained, you will see the match better as if you were in the stadium itself. Apple, a global leader in technology, is involved in the project.

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