Stadium History (5)

World Cup change

The schedule change was initiated by the Argentina World Cup 78. That international event represented a countdown, because Spain had to organize the World Championship in 1982. The Real Madrid knew that the Santiago Bernabeu would be the scene of one of the qualifying stages, in addition to the grand final. Mindful of the eminent role which would reach the site at this event, the Club prepared its proposals for redevelopment in line with FIFA requirements. Luis de Carlos commissioned a project to adapt the stadium to the rigid rules of the Organizing Committee.

The renewal hit the stands, the facade, the interior of the press facilities, parking, lighting, electronic scoreboards and marquee. The cover was the most striking part of the work and covered the three-quarters of the crowd. With it, 15,236 seats and a perimeter strip of approximately 10,000 standing room, were protected from the weather. The canopy was made entirely of metal.

Innovate with new scoreboards

By changing the lighting, the criteria dictated by the World Committee and RTVE (Spanish TV) for broadcasting matches in color, were followed, increasing power to 1,400 lux. Months before the big event on 2 February 1982, also premiered the new electronic scoreboards "Diamond Vision", from Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 1982

In June 1982, the remodeling of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium were completely finished. The aesthetic transformation was significant. The total capacity of the Stadium was reduced to 98,776 locations, 67,000 feet and 31,776 seats. World Cup 82 was a great success from the organization. The highlight was the final contested between Germany and Italy. The stadium became the focus of millions of homes worldwide.

Extension of 92: the long road to the golden jubilee

At the beginning of the nineties, it was clear that the stadium did not resolve the needs of the Club. Over time, the growth of football and the new rules issued by international organizations (UEFA and FIFA) on security, had led to the stadium becomes obsolete. And small. Only 31,776 available seats. For these reasons, Ramon Mendoza launched the project to remodel the stadium. Building a new stadium, modern and functional, on the same stage where was the "old."

A stadium that grows

Anyway, the main novelty of this reorganization was represented by two new grandstands that covered three quarters of the stadium: the two ends and the west side tribune. It was an impressive ring to accommodate over 20,000 spectators comfortably seated. In addition, the Club would provide an important source of income. This work was undertaken in three phases. On May 7, 1994 was made the definitive opening of the tribune. Over the years, the club made a deep modernization of all offices and facilities of the stadium, besides the area of media, VIP Boxes ...

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 1994

A stadium at the gates of the new century

In 1998 the Club was fulfilled one of his dreams: all localities were seated, with capacity reduced to 77,500 spectators. Private boxes were created, another innovation that had been introduced in recent years, an original formula of Real Madrid

"Bernabéu 50-year history"

On December 14, 1997, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium celebrated its 50th birthday. For this reason, the Club organized an exhibition inside the stadium, where exhibited the best trophies won during this period of time. The images were part of a compilation of the book "Santiago Bernabeu, 50-year history” which was published to commemorate this event.