Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is constantly evolving. And although the most important elements of the modernization were completed long ago and the stadium is now almost entirely open to fans, there are still details being refined. All this is being done to turn Real Madrid’s legendary stadium into the most important venue in the world.

Massive expansion of the metro line serving the stadium

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the capital, and it will soon benefit from connections matching the number of visitors it draws each day. The modernization of the Santiago Bernabéu station on Line 10 is progressing rapidly – the goal is to triple its capacity and fully adapt it to the needs of people with disabilities. According to plans, the work is expected to last another two years, but as reported by the autonomous community of Madrid, everything is proceeding on schedule – one fourth of the work has already been completed. This includes part of the deep foundation work, while current efforts are focused on the ceiling slab in the middle of the station.

The numbers show the scale of the project: 120,000 cubic meters of earth have been excavated, 10,000 m² of surface laid, more than 28,000 m³ of concrete and over 7 million kilograms of steel used, along with 25 kilometers of piles. The work is taking place underground, beneath Paseo de la Castellana. From 2026 onward, service on this section of Line 10 will be suspended – replaced by buses. During that period, the current dome of the station will be dismantled to make room for a new structure.

All to meet the volume of event attendees

This is one of the most ambitious underground infrastructure upgrades in Madrid, aiming to ensure functionality, especially during peak moments – such as match days or concerts at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Last year, over 4 million passengers used the station. On match days that number exceeded 34,000, and it was even higher during concerts. These concerts have been temporarily suspended due to complaints from local residents about noise and a pending court decision, which may result in the club implementing soundproofing measures. However, this uncertainty regarding concerts is not halting the station’s expansion. Located opposite the stadium on Paseo de la Castellana, the station is set to become one of the most accessible in the entire Madrid metro network.

In its final version, the station will be equipped with 12 panoramic elevators and 24 escalators. There will also be modern ticket gates and vending machines to improve passenger flow. In total, the Community of Madrid will invest 66 million euros into the complete station reconstruction, carried out in coordination with Real Madrid, with whom a special cooperation protocol has been signed. As local press has previously reported, the new Santiago Bernabéu station will also serve as a tribute to Real Madrid. Back in 1998, its name was changed from Lima – named after the nearby square – to that of the stadium, and this modernization will transform it into a true gateway to the heart of the Madrid club.

Bernabéu to host EuroBasket games?

As part of Madrid’s innovative bid to host EuroBasket 2029, the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) presented a key element of its proposal to other European federations – the idea of holding the tournament’s opening game at Santiago Bernabéu. As confirmed by the newspaper AS, if Spain’s capital is selected as the host, Real Madrid’s legendary arena would inaugurate the championship.

This would be an unprecedented event in FIBA history – no match organized under its banner has ever gathered 80,000 spectators. After the renovation, Bernabéu has exactly that capacity, and the plan envisions placing the basketball court parallel to the football pitch, creating impressive front row seating around the court. The idea of hosting the opening game at Bernabéu may be a key advantage in Madrid’s race to win the EuroBasket bid. The decision will be made on May 22 in Riga, and Madrid’s main competitor is Athens. A likely scenario suggests that Spain would face its strongest group rival in the opening game, aiming to attract attention from fans and media around the world. Real Madrid will not only provide the stadium – the club and FEB have signed an agreement to cooperate on this historic undertaking. This is part of a broader plan to promote Spanish basketball and increase its global visibility. The project could also boost Madrid’s future bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036 or 2040.

© Javier Caireta

More than just a coffee shop

New spaces for fans and visitors continue to appear at Real Madrid’s stadium. Now, the famous coffeehouse chain has arrived at Bernabéu, opening the largest Starbucks in all of Spain and on the Iberian Peninsula. Starbucks Bernabéu will be the biggest store in the country and a flagship location for the brand – with a unique design and product range not found at any other Starbucks, reveals Antonio Romero, General Manager of Starbucks Iberia.

The so-called megastore will cover 900 m² and will be the first of its kind located inside a sports venue in Spain. It is part of Real Madrid’s strategy to make Bernabéu a place full of diverse experiences. A new feature will be a mixology zone – the art of creating cocktails. Classic Starbucks coffees will be joined by artistic elements, creative bartending, and a wide range of beverages, offering guests a truly unique experience.

© L35 Arquitectos