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The Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been the spiritual home for Real Madrid for over half-a century now, but that might soon be changing. While there are certainly no plans from Los Blancos, to shift to a new arena, they have certainly given thought to the idea of renaming the stadium for commercial purposes.
According to reports, club president Florentino Perez was caught in an untimely moment on camera discussing plans of renaming the stadium to either “IPIC Bernabéu” or “CEPSA Bernabéu”. The plans which are at an infant state is said to be a part of a stadium overhaul that is scheduled to be completed in 2017, at a cost of around €400m (£320m).
The reigning European champions agreed to a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi fund International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) to help finance the overhaul.
Bernabeu to be remodelled
Real Madrid has already roped in German architects GMP to oversee the remodelling and extension of the stadium, which has been their home ever since its opening in 1947. Initially named as the New Chamartín, the stadium was renamed after the then club president for his tremendous efforts in getting the stadium built.
The new plans fo the overhaul includes the provision of a new roof alongside major changes to the exteriors of the stadium. The plans also include provisions for a hotel as well as a shopping centre to boost the club’s revenues in the coming years.
Speaking in regards to these plans, Perez was overheard as saying: “We are going to put IPIC Bernabéu or whatever they want ... or CEPSA Bernabéu.” during Spain’s international friendly against Germany.
It will be interesting to see the reactions of the Real Madrid faithful following this untimely revelation. The Santiago Bernabeu has been the fortress around which they have built their identity which includes the award of “Club of the Century” by FIFA for the 20th century.
