Neighbours clash with Real Madrid over Bernabéu renovation: Label project ‘Unlawful’ and ‘Disruptive’

A Madrid community group is set against the transformation scheme which has taken place at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, labelling it an “eventódromo” or event arena and declaring it “illegal”. They assert that the Bernabéu project is a nuisance to their way of life and that there will be a rise in criminal activity.

According to El Economista, this group, the so-called Neighbourhood Association of People Affected by the Bernabéu, allege that they have formed because the stadium has changed its purpose from hosting around 35 events to about 300 events per year.

Although the majority of Real Madrid fans support the current modernization of the club by President Florentino Pérez, those who think the opposite fear the new uses applied to the stadium will affect them adversely.

They are reportedly planning for some aggressive action and demonstrations against the heavy use of the stadium. Their main argument is the fact that the Bernabéu will be transformed into a concert and events venue which will be hosting a variety of noisy occasions that could disturb the peace of the neighbourhood.

They predict that the crowds will contribute to the occurrence of more traffic noise, unsanitary conditions, and transport bottlenecks. This group are afraid these changes will also cause an increase in crime, such as theft and drug-related activities.

GSFN | Ciaran Currie