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Real Madrid’s Bernabéu to Host Clay Practice Courts for Madrid Open, April 23–30

The plan uses the stadium’s retractable pitch to open extra practice space without moving official matches from Caja Mágica.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets on Wednesday reported that the Santiago Bernabéu will open temporary clay training courts for Madrid Open players from April 23 to April 30.
  • Work is set to start after Real Madrid’s home match against Deportivo Alavés, with the grass surface lifted in the midweek window of April 21–22 to prepare the clay.
  • The conversion depends on a 2023 renovation that splits the natural grass into six sections stored underground in climate control so crews can build temporary courts on the exposed base.
  • Players gain a quieter practice site close to their hotel, while all ATP and WTA matches remain at the tournament’s official venue, the Caja Mágica.
  • Using the Bernabéu in this way continues the club’s year‑round, multiuse strategy, which already includes an NFL regular‑season game and major concerts.