Real Madrid has commissioned British firm Arup to carry out acoustic studies at the Santiago Bernabéu. The work is designed to enable concerts to be held without disturbing the residents around the stadium.

New Bernabéu will become more acoustically friendly

Real Madrid has decided to take decisive steps to bring Santiago Bernabéu into compliance with acoustic and noise protection requirements. Following numerous complaints from residents in the vicinity of the stadium and police interventions, the club has decided to suspend all scheduled concerts until spring 2025. This action, deemed responsible by Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, was supported by the municipal authorities.

In search of effective solutions, Real Madrid has again turned to the British firm Arup, a global specialist in acoustic design and sound engineering. Arup has a number of high-profile projects in stadiums around the world, including modern Allegiant Stadium, and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. These projects use advanced simulation software, enabling acoustic analysis with varying weather conditions.

Real Madrid has previously worked with Arup on the redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu, where the firm handled, among other things, the design of the stadium's metal skin, seating and aisle placement, and an LED lighting system that allows images to be projected onto the stadium's façade, minimising the visual impact on nearby buildings.

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Making the Bernabéu compliant with OPCAT regulations a priority

Adapting the Santiago Bernabéu to the Noise and Thermal Pollution Ordinance (OPCAT) is currently one of Real Madrid's priorities. The club's authorities are keen to ensure that the stadium's operations benefit local residents and the environment.

The stadium soundproofing project is at an early stage, but according to Real's plans, the work is expected to be completed by June 2025. Concerts by artists such as Aitana, which were originally scheduled to take place at the end of December, have been postponed until next summer to allow time for the necessary acoustic modifications. The club has also announced the postponement of concerts by Lola Índigo and Dellafuente to similar dates.

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