Real Madrid’s newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has been honored with the prestigious Best Venue Award at the 2024 World Football Summit (WFS).
The award recognizes the stadium’s groundbreaking innovations and its ambitious vision to redefine sports venues while also boosting Madrid’s cultural and economic landscape.
The Santiago Bernabéu’s transformation is nothing short of revolutionary. With features like a state-of-the-art retractable pitch system housed in an underground greenhouse, a 360-degree video screen that wraps around the stadium interior, and an exterior digital skin that transforms it into a dynamic urban landmark, the stadium represents the future of multi-functional sports venues.
Additionally, its advanced sustainability measures, including energy-efficient systems, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global environmental priorities.
Beyond being a football arena, the Bernabéu has positioned itself as a key cultural and tourism hub in Madrid. Over the past year, it has played host to major international concerts featuring artists like Taylor Swift, Karol G., and Luis Miguel, solidifying its status as a world-class venue for entertainment.
The NFL has also chosen the stadium as its home base in Spain as part of its global expansion, underscoring the venue’s growing appeal across different sports.
The stadium’s impact goes far beyond events, with the increased foot traffic driving economic activity and creating new job opportunities in Madrid. By attracting a diverse range of visitors, from football fans to concertgoers, the Bernabéu has become an essential part of the city’s economy and cultural identity.
“Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu is not just a stadium; it’s a glimpse into the future of sports and entertainment venues,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder of World Football Summit.
“Its blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and multi-functionality sets a new standard for what a modern stadium can be. It’s a true game-changer in the industry and a vital asset for Madrid’s economy.”
The Best Venue Award, previously won by Tottenham Hotspur’s state-of-the-art stadium in London, reflects Real Madrid’s ambition to be a leader not only in football but in the broader sports and entertainment industry.
The club’s vision for the Santiago Bernabéu extends beyond match days, as they aim to create a year-round destination that serves as a cultural symbol for Madrid and beyond.
Tristán López-Chicheri, CEO and Senior Partner at L35 Architects, which led the stadium’s redesign, emphasized the significance of the project:
“The main intention of our design was to align a ‘number one team’ with a ‘number one stadium,’ so the image of the stadium could easily be identified with Real Madrid and become a symbol, a memorable image. At the same time, such a major building becomes a symbol of the city as well.”
The award will be officially presented on September 18 during the WFS Awards Ceremony in Sevilla, part of WFS Europe, which brings together over 2,500 football industry professionals and decision-makers from around the globe.
The event will feature an impressive roster of speakers, including Italian football legend Giorgio Chiellini, Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, and Maheta Molango, Chairman of the PFA, among many others.
WFS Europe is supported by key partners like Turkish Airlines, The Football Business Academy, and LaLiga, and is attended by representatives from major football organizations, including UEFA, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Juventus, and many more.
The Santiago Bernabéu’s recognition as the Best Venue underscores the importance of innovative stadium design in shaping the future of football and entertainment, solidifying Real Madrid’s place as a leader not just in sport, but in redefining the possibilities of what a stadium can offer to both its fans and its city.
