Definition of Bernabeu

The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is home to one of the most famous teams on the planet in the form of Real Madrid. It is the second largest stadium in Spain and the third largest home to a club team.

The Bernabeu started construction in 1944 and was finally opened in 1947 with a capacity of 75,145 spectators. However, it was expanded to 125,000 by 1950 in order to host the new European Cup (of which Madrid won the opening 5). In 1955, Real decided to name the stadium after then president Santiago Bernabeu.

New seating restrictions lowered the capacity, but not the prestige of the Bernabeu. It hosted the final of the 1982 World Cup, 4 different European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals and even the 2018 Copa Libertadores Finals, making it the first stadium to host 2 continental competitions' finals from 2 separate continents.

Current Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has announced plans to renovate the stadium in the near future. The capacity of the stadium will remain at 81,000, but a new roof will be added along with a height increase of 10 metres. There are also plans to sell the name to the stadium in order to finance the renovations.

Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in the world, with a stadium to match. The looming walls and huge crowds have become as connected with Real as spending money and winning trophies. Regardless of what sponsored name it will have in the future, everyone will know that the Santiago Bernabeu is the true home of Real Madrid.