The roof on the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is unnecessary, and the idea of holding concerts in the stadium is unrealistic. Or at least that's what thinks Carlos Lamela, author of the 2001-2006 redevelopment project for Los Blancos’ temple and the club's rejected vision for the new Bernabéu.

Neither concerts nor roofing

Although the new Santiago Bernabeu underwent its most serious modernisation between 2019 and 2024, it had already been redeveloped several times in earlier decades. Two of these modernisations - from 1992-94 and 2001-2006 - were designed by Estudio Lamela.

Its president and co-founder, Carlos Lamela, appeared on the JC7 Arquitectura podcast, where he was asked his opinion on the new Bernabéu. I think stadiums are roofed because of different climate conditions than the ones we have in Madrid, he said of the retractable canopy.

The architect who, together with Populous, created one of the 4 proposals for the redevelopment of the Bernabéu (Real's final choice was the vision of gmp Architekten, L35 Arquitectos and Ribas & Ribas Arquitectos) revealed that, at the beginning, the indications envisaged neither a retractable roof nor a hypogeum under the pitch. The concerts were not planned either.

Referring to the concerts issue, he stated instead that never should the subject of concerts at the Bernabéu be considered, as it is impossible to do. However, he pointed out that the blame lies with the City Hall, which, according to him, should have carried out exhaustive analyses and anticipated the consequences of organising the concerts. They [Real Madrid - editor’s note] should have moved to the suburbs if they wanted to organise such events, Lamela added.

© Turismo Madrid | This is what Los Blancos’ stadium looked like after the reconstruction of 2001-2006, designed by Estudio Lamela.