{"id":79988,"date":"2025-09-20T23:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weisetech.dev\/fc-barcelona-noticias\/en\/bernabeu-heat-and-closed-roof-unleash-controversy_314757_102\/"},"modified":"2025-09-20T23:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T21:30:00","slug":"bernabeu-heat-and-closed-roof-unleash-controversy_314757_102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fcbarcelonanoticias.com\/en\/real-madrid\/bernabeu-heat-and-closed-roof-unleash-controversy_314757_102.html","title":{"rendered":"Suffocating heat and closed roof: the ‘sauna’ of the new Bernab\u00e9u"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Santiago Bernab\u00e9u has closed its retractable roof again despite the high temperatures, sparking criticism for the unbearable heat in the stands<\/h2> \r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n Calendar of FC Barcelona <\/a>\r\n<\/div>

The Santiago Bernab\u00e9u is experiencing a start to the season marked by controversy<\/strong>: the club has chosen to keep the retractable roof closed<\/strong> in several recent matches despite the high temperatures in Madrid.<\/p>

The contrast between the heat on the street and the lack of ventilation inside has angered a large part of the fans, who speak bluntly of a “sauna<\/strong>” in Chamart\u00edn. Meanwhile, the debate grows: why is the roof closed and with what criteria?<\/strong><\/p>

The consequences of poor ventilation are already noticeable even in the VIP area. Against Marseille in the Champions League, even the VIP box was not spared from the high temperatures, and this Saturday against Espanyol there was a rush to get the fans<\/strong> that the Real Madrid telephone sponsor was handing out.<\/p>

Are you hot in the Bernab\u00e9u?? Well, we don’t open the roof but we give you a “fan” hahahahahaha. Incredible pic.twitter.com\/Q9i2NhU3De<\/a><\/p> \u2014 TO\u00d1IN RMCF\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 (@Tonin_RMCF) September 20, 2025<\/a> <\/blockquote>

The complaints about the heat<\/strong> and the use of the roof<\/strong> add to other open fronts in the stadium: the concert schedule<\/strong> was put on hold due to complaints about noise<\/strong>, the pitch<\/strong> is still under scrutiny for its aesthetics and maintenance, and the preparation for the NFL<\/strong> match has forced new works and logistical adjustments.<\/p>

Who decides whether the Bernab\u00e9u roof is open or closed?<\/h2>

In LaLiga<\/strong>, there is no regulation that requires the roof to be opened or closed for climatic reasons: the decision depends on the local club<\/strong> and must be taken before the start of the match.<\/p>

In UEFA competitions, authorization is requested, but the criteria also come from the organizer. In short: Real Madrid decides<\/strong> in most scenarios when to play with the roof open or closed, and it cannot be changed in the middle of the match.<\/p>

“A sauna”: complaints about the heat in the stands<\/h3>

The start of the season left high temperatures<\/strong> in the capital and the repeated closure of the roof during some European nights. The image of thousands of fans fanning themselves has become common and criticism has escalated in the media and social networks.<\/p>

The question is direct: with heat outside, is it worth sealing the enclosure if there is no<\/em> internal ventilation system that clearly alleviates it?<\/p> <\/blockquote>

ENOUGH OF BEING HOT IN THE SANTIAGO BERNAB\u00c9U STADIUM!
That roof that has not been opened in any football match since Florentino inaugurated it.
It’s a sauna, no air flows, it creates an unbearable greenhouse effect.
Everyone complains, but no one criticizes it.
OPEN IT NOW!! pic.twitter.com\/LdG88bpvLZ<\/a><\/p> \u2014 movimientoambar (@movimientoambar) September 17, 2025<\/a> <\/blockquote>

The club’s position has oscillated between two arguments: on the one hand, the roof helps to create a more intimidating atmosphere<\/strong>; on the other hand, the closure can reduce direct solar radiation at certain times.<\/p>

But with the thermometer high, the thermal sensation in the stands triggers the discomfort of the fans<\/strong>, who demand transparency about the criteria and about the management of ventilation when the roof is lowered.<\/p>

The controversies of the Bernab\u00e9u: concerts, noise and a cultural calendar on hold<\/h2>

The plan for the Bernab\u00e9u as a multi-purpose venue encountered a serious obstacle: neighborhood complaints about noise<\/strong> and the corresponding sanctions<\/strong> from the City Council.<\/p>

The consequence was a postponement of the concert schedule and the need to reinforce soundproofing<\/strong> measures. The stadium was born to be an engine of income 365 days a year, but the balance between spectacle and neighborhood coexistence requires recalibrating the project.<\/p>

Pitch and aesthetics: between the hypogeum and the public spotlight<\/h3>

The retractable pitch<\/strong>, stored under the playing field, is one of the jewels of the project. However, its image<\/strong> has been exposed to scrutiny: visible lines between sheets, specific spots and even debate over the use of green paint<\/strong> to uniform the appearance before matches.<\/p>

The practice of applying cosmetic pigments is not unprecedented in elite football<\/strong>, but public perception has been strained by the repetition of episodes and by the media power of the stadium.<\/p>

Beyond the aesthetic, Real Madrid<\/strong> has been adjusting suppliers, mixtures and techniques to stabilize the turf. The expectation is that the accumulated learning and experience with multiple events (football, concerts, NFL) will end up consolidating a visual and functional standard worthy of a world-class venue.<\/p>

The NFL arrives in Madrid: works, changing rooms and express adaptation<\/h2>

The arrival of the NFL<\/strong> in November 2025 has forced an accelerated adaptation<\/strong> of the stadium: stands, accesses, logistics and, especially, changing rooms<\/strong> and technical areas have required adjustments to accommodate larger squads and staff than those of European football.<\/p>

Initially, there was even talk of demolishing and rebuilding part of the changing rooms, but finally the club has opted for extensions and specific reforms<\/strong> that avoid major demolitions, maintaining the sports and guided tour calendar.<\/p>

The Spotify Camp Nou should take note<\/h2>

From a cul\u00e9 perspective, the debate on the integral exploitation of stadiums also concerns the return of F\u00fatbol Club Barcelona to the Spotify Camp Nou<\/strong> and coexistence with competitive calendars and events.<\/p>

The endless list of setbacks that Real Madrid is suffering with the remodeling of the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u<\/strong> invites the Blaugrana club to take note so as not to make the same mistakes.<\/p>