Real Madrid set date for Santiago Bernabeu opening after renovation delays

Real Madrid have finally set a specific date for the grand opening of their newly renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium after playing most of the pandemic matches at their Valdebebas training ground stadium, the Alfredo di Stefano.

Though they returned to the Bernabeu earlier, the stadium is still under construction, with large tarpaulins concealing parts of the stands.

Supporters at the top of the stadium have been missing the usual roof cover, but the club has informed some supporters' clubs of the set date for completion, which was delayed multiple times.

The new target date is now fixed for 23 December, according to a report by Diario AS, giving the Bernabeu 11 more games in its current state before the eagerly anticipated opening. The inaugural game at the revamped Bernabeu is scheduled for 3 January 2024, featuring Real Mallorca.

The completed Bernabeu will be able to host several significant La Liga games next season, including matches against Barcelona, Sevilla, Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid, and during the second half of the season.

Construction of the new Bernabeu began in July 2019, and if the current date holds, it will have taken three-and-a-half years to complete. Real Madrid officials are optimistic that the state-of-the-art facilities will significantly boost their earnings.