The Bernabéu is once again showcasing its versatility, but this time it’s not about football. The pitch of Real Madrid’s stadium will give way to a completely different sport, highlighting new possibilities for the venue. How will it be transformed for this unique event?

Transformation of Santiago Bernabéu stadium for a tennis tournament

During the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open tournament, the main matches will be played at the Caja Mágica complex, however, the Bernabéu will play a key role as a training center. The interior of the stadium will be completely rearranged – the pitch, on which Real Madrid plays on a daily basis, will be hidden in a special underground system to protect it from damage.

In its place, professional training courts will be created, adapted to the requirements of the world’s best tennis players. Thanks to this, players will be able to prepare for matches in conditions similar to tournament ones, while also benefiting from the infrastructure of one of the most modern stadiums in the world.

The training courts at the Bernabéu will be used by the biggest stars of world tennis. Among them may be players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, or Aryna Sabalenka. An additional advantage is the location – many players stay at the Eurobuilding hotel, which is located just a few minutes from the stadium. This significantly facilitates logistics and helps reduce travel time during the intensive tournament schedule.

Tweet Madridismo Real https://x.com/madridismoreai/status/2036763706873315614

— Madridismo Real (@MadridismoReal) June 18, 2026

Real Madrid’s schedule allows the use of the stadium

The schedule of La Liga and European competitions is crucial for the implementation of the project. After the league match against Deportivo Alavés (April 21–22), Real Madrid will not play at home for several weeks. During this period, the team will have away matches, including against Real Betis, Espanyol, and FC Barcelona. Thanks to this, the stadium can be fully made available to tennis players without affecting the football team’s preparations.

© Madrid1902 | During the Mutua Madrid Open, the Santiago Bernabéu pitch will be retracted and replaced with training tennis courts.

Business and sporting dimension of using Santiago Bernabéu

The transformation of the stadium for tennis purposes is another example of its versatility. Previously, the venue had already been adapted to host events such as NFL games, confirming its potential as a multifunctional arena. The new Bernabéu was designed not only as a football stadium but as an entertainment and sports complex capable of hosting various events throughout the year. This approach allows the club to significantly increase its revenues and make better use of its costly infrastructure.

For Real Madrid, participation in organizing the Mutua Madrid Open is not only a matter of prestige but also brings real financial and image benefits. The stadium becomes part of one of the most important tennis tournaments in the world, attracting the attention of a global audience. At the same time, the club demonstrates that modern stadiums can serve many more functions than just hosting football matches. The integration of different sports disciplines and entertainment events is becoming a key element of the strategy of the biggest clubs and cities.