The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium began as a major expansion project led by Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu. Opened in 1947 and named for him in 1955, the ground records a period when the club sought a larger home for its growing ambitions.
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The stadium’s name was not attached at its opening. Real Madrid’s new ground, then called Nuevo Chamartín, opened in December 1947 after club president Santiago Bernabéu drove the project to build a much larger stadium. Members voted in 1955 to rename it in his honor.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- The stadium opened as Nuevo Chamartín on 14 December 1947.
- Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu led the project to build the ground.
- Club members voted to name the stadium after Bernabéu in 1955.
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