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Real Madrid announce incredible stadium transformation made possible by $1bn renovation

Real Madrid are transforming the Bernabeu into a collection of tennis courts for the Madrid Open.

The Bernabeu will be home to training facilities in between April 23 and April 30 with the tournament starting on April 20.

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The Bernabeu has been home to Real Madrid since 1947Credit: AFP

The players hotel for the tournament is only six miles away from Real Madrid’s home and is the perfect location for the athletes to practice before the match.

The transformation is possible because of Madrid’s retractable pitch which was only fitted in late 2023 after a $1billion (£750million) renovation.

Construction was done to the Bernabeu to boost the club’s revenue despite them already earning $1.2billion (£900million) a year.

They wanted to expand their range of events that they can offer at the stadium.

Since the renovations, Real Madrid have hosted their first NFL game at the Bernabeu between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders.

Taylor Swift was able to perform there in 2024 during her world stadium tour.

The clay tennis court is stored underground, below the pitch to stay unblemished.

The grass is looked after by climate controllers to allow the floor to be constructed on top of the grass without damaging it.