THE NEW BERNABEU A REAL PROBLEM
The Straits Times|October 10, 2024
Locals and neighbourhood residents hate noise from concerts and construction work
MADRID – Real Madrid's revamp of their historic Santiago Bernabeu stadium has become a problem for the Spanish football giants, with locals protesting against noise from concerts and the permanent construction works.

The stadium began hosting concerts again earlier in 2024 after it completed a years-long revamp that included an undulating metal roof, new lighting, shops, VIP areas and a retractable pitch.

The goal is to allow the venue, inaugurated in 1947 as a traditional football venue, to be used as a year-round, modern entertainment hub. Pop megastar Taylor Swift and Grammy-winning Colombian singer Karol G are among the big names who have performed at the refurbished stadium owned by Real, whose president Florentino Perez is one of Spain's richest men.

The wealthy Chamartin neighbourhood in northern Madrid where the stadium is located used to be quiet, except on match days. Now residents complain of noise during concerts and rehearsals that far exceeds legal limits, and of drunken concertgoers urinating in doorways.

This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

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