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Atletico Madrid are reaping the rewards of Real Madrid’s misfortune as legal troubles and noise complaints have halted concerts at the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — the very events it was designed to host.
Real Madrid’s billion-euro revamp of the Bernabéu aimed to turn the iconic stadium into a year-round entertainment venue, complete with a retractable roof and cutting-edge facilities. However, upset local residents have succeeded in blocking concerts this year due to noise concerns, forcing the club to suspend planned events for 2024.
While the legal battle over the noise disruption continues, Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium has capitalised on the chaos, securing gigs that were originally scheduled for the Bernabéu. These include concerts by three prominent Spanish artists and, most notably, 10 shows in 2025 by global reggaeton star Bad Bunny — who has broken ticket sales records in Spain.
The move has undercut the assertion by Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, an Atletico supporter, that only the Bernabéu could attract top-tier artists such as Taylor Swift.
Placido Rodríguez Guerrero, an emeritus economics professor at the University of Oviedo, called the situation a major reputational setback for Real Madrid. “It shows that not everything the club does is flawless, especially if those concerts end up at the Metropolitano,” he told AFP.
Singer Lola Indigo, one of the artists whose show was shifted from the Bernabéu to Atletico’s stadium, told El Mundo she felt “disappointed” and “a bit betrayed”.
Although club president Florentino Pérez downplayed the financial impact, saying concerts represent just one percent of Real Madrid’s budget — projected at over €1.1 billion for the 2024/25 season — experts suggest otherwise. Business Insider Spain reported that Real had hoped to earn around €100 million annually from concerts alone.
David Dunn of 442 Design, a consultancy that has worked with clubs like Arsenal and AC Milan, described the disruption as a “major blow” to Real’s commercial plans, noting they had banked on hosting multiple large-scale events.
Rodríguez Guerrero estimated Real could lose “tens of millions of euros” this summer to their less illustrious neighbours, who have previously welcomed acts such as Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.
The technical challenges at the Bernabéu stem partly from its retractable roof, which lacks proper acoustic insulation. Architecture expert Francesc Daumal explained the stadium functions more like a “tent”, with openings that allow sound to escape.
In contrast, Atletico’s Metropolitano was designed with soundproofing in mind and is situated further from residential areas, making it better suited for concerts.
The Metropolitano’s summer concert calendar has already proven a hit. In May, British star Ed Sheeran played two sold-out nights, drawing 140,000 fans who paid around €100 per ticket.
Fans have praised Atletico’s venue for its superior comfort and sound. One attendee of last year’s Taylor Swift concert at the Bernabéu described the rival stadium as “better” for music events. Another said it felt more spacious and relaxed due to its location away from the crowded city centre.
Meanwhile, Atletico fans are enjoying the moment. “We love saying concerts are held here now,” said 27-year-old fan David Guerrero, proudly wearing a club shirt with Ed Sheeran’s name on the back.
