Real Madrid FC have released a video that shows how its proposed retractable pitch is expected to work. A five-minute clip shows how trays with natural turf are stored in a 30-meter deep bunker underneath the field.

The concept resembles partly what has been done at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the UK that opened in 2019. The main difference is that the trays with natural turf at the Tottenham stadium are stored in the parking space underneath the stands. Storing trays with natural turf has become possible with the introduction of LED grass grow technology as use of this technology makes it possible to deliver the grass the required light and light intensity even when the grass is stored in fully enclosed environments.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, smart technology will be used to assess the condition of the field and to irrigate the pitch while stored in the bunker.

Ultraviolet light ensures that mould, fungi or diseases don’t stand a chance to spread throughout the pitch. Ultraviolet light denies the mould, fungi or disease the required growing condition.

Once stored in the bunker, a synthetic field will cover the pitch. This surface can also be covered by hardboard or plastic flooring to facilitate basketball games, tennis matches, concerts or events taking place inside the venue.

The Santiago Bernabéu is currently undergoing a EUR 800 million revamp. Work should be finished by next year.

You can watch the full video here