Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Guide

The Santiago Bernabéu is the home of Real Madrid. It stands in the Chamartín district of Madrid, close to the Paseo de la Castellana. Few stadiums in world football carry the same weight of history.

Real Madrid first played here in 1947, when the ground carried the name Estadio Chamartín. The stadium took the name Santiago Bernabéu in 1955, honouring the club president who built it. Since then it has hosted European finals, World Cup matches and countless historic nights for Real Madrid.

What is the capacity of the Santiago Bernabéu?

The Santiago Bernabéu now ranks among the largest club stadiums in Europe following its recent renovation. Crucially, that figure makes it one of Real Madrid’s proudest modern achievements. The rebuild added a retractable roof and a new outer skin wrapped around the stadium. Real Madrid can also close the roof and cover the pitch for concerts and other events.

Santiago Bernabéu Capacity Timeline

The capacity has changed many times across the stadium’s history. Meanwhile, redevelopment work over the decades has both raised and lowered the official figure.

The Stands at the Santiago Bernabéu

Four main stands surround the pitch, each with its own character. Together they wrap the ground in a continuous bowl since the 2024 renovation.

Fondo Sur

The Fondo Sur sits behind one goal and holds the most passionate home support. Indeed, this end drives the noise during Champions League nights. Standing here feels closest to the old matchday traditions of the club.

Tribuna

The Tribuna runs along one side of the pitch and holds the main seating area. Club officials, directors and season-ticket holders traditionally sit here. Therefore, ticket prices in this stand tend to be the highest at the stadium.

Preferencia

The Preferencia stand faces the Tribuna on the opposite side of the pitch. Moreover, it offers some of the best sightlines for watching Real Madrid’s build-up play.

Fondo Norte

The Fondo Norte stands opposite the Fondo Sur, behind the far goal. This end of the stadium typically houses away fans. Similarly, it forms part of the loudest sections of the ground alongside the Fondo Sur.

A Rich History: How Old is the Santiago Bernabéu?

The Santiago Bernabéu opened in 1947, making it well over seventy-five years old. Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu oversaw its construction after the Spanish Civil War. The stadium has since hosted a European Cup final, a World Cup final and countless finals in Spanish football. Finally, the most recent transformation finished in 2024 after several years of construction.

Where is the Santiago Bernabéu Located?

The stadium sits on the Paseo de la Castellana, one of Madrid’s main avenues. Meanwhile, it lies in the Chamartín district, north of the city centre. Real Madrid’s stadium neighbours banks, hotels and office towers in this business district.

Getting to the Santiago Bernabéu: Transport & Parking

Similarly, public transport reaches the stadium easily from across Madrid.

What is the nearest metro station?

Santiago Bernabéu station on Metro Line 10 sits directly outside the stadium. Nuevos Ministerios station also connects several lines within a short walk. Moreover, commuter rail services stop at Nuevos Ministerios too.

Can you drive to the stadium?

Driving to the Santiago Bernabéu is possible, though parking nearby is limited. Several public car parks operate within walking distance of the ground. However, most supporters find public transport quicker on matchdays.

Why the Santiago Bernabéu is the Soul of Real Madrid

The stadium is more than a venue for Real Madrid supporters. Decades of European nights have shaped the club’s identity around this ground. Instead of simply hosting matches, the Bernabéu has become part of the club’s story.

Fans travelling to matches can check the club’s Santiago Bernabéu matchday guide for practical details.

Trophies Won at the Santiago Bernabéu

Real Madrid have won trophies on this ground across nearly eight decades.