As an American wanting to see a Real Madrid match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium, getting tickets can be tricky. Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in world football with millions of fans trying to get tickets for their matches. However, with some preparation and planning, it is possible for Americans to get Real Madrid tickets.
When to Start Planning Your Trip
The first thing you’ll want to do is plan your trip to Madrid. The La Liga season typically runs from August to May, with a winter break in late December and early January. Real Madrid plays league matches at the Bernabéu on weekends and Champions League matches on weekday evenings.
You’ll want to plan your trip for when Real Madrid is playing a home match against a major rival like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or Sevilla, or during the later Champions League knockout rounds. These matches will be in highest demand.
Ideally you should start planning 3-6 months in advance for big matches to increase your chances of getting tickets. Weekday matches often have more availability than weekend marquee matchups.
Buying Tickets Directly from Real Madrid
The best way to ensure legitimate tickets is to buy directly from Real Madrid through their official website. Here are the steps to purchase from RealMadrid.com:
- Set up an account and register for the ticket portal.
- Select the match you want to attend.
- Choose your seats on an interactive map of the stadium sections.
- Enter your payment information.
As a foreigner, you will need to enter your passport details. Tickets will be issued electronically and linked to your account. You can access them on your phone to enter the stadium.
One downside is that tickets for major matches often sell out quickly to season ticket holders and club members. You may need to try for less in-demand games.
Real Madrid Membership
Becoming an official Real Madrid club member gives you earlier access to tickets before the general public. There are different membership levels like Madridista and Madridista Junior.
Benefits include presale access to tickets, discounts on merchandise, and other perks. Memberships start around €156 per year and can be purchased on the club website.
Third Party Resellers and Ticket Agencies
If tickets on RealMadrid.com are sold out, you can try third party resellers and ticket agencies. These may charge higher prices but they often have ticket allotments for sold out matches.
Some popular and reliable options include:
- StubHub – Large ticket marketplace with guaranteed valid tickets.
- LiveFootballTickets – Football ticket agency offering VIP packages.
- Futbolution – Spanish company selling various La Liga match tickets.
Make sure to compare prices across different resellers. Pay close attention to service fees, transfer policies, and delivery options. Paying more upfront for a reputable seller can provide peace of mind over risky cheaper options.
Avoid Scalpers
You will likely be approached by scalpers and touts outside the Bernabéu on matchday selling tickets. It’s best to avoid them as their tickets could be counterfeit or get you turned away at the gate.
Getting to the Match
On matchday you will need to get to the stadium in Madrid’s Chamartín district. The Bernabéu is easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, or rideshare.
The closest metro stations are Santiago Bernabéu on Line 10 and Concha Espina on Lines 9 and 10. Buses that stop nearby include Lines 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 126, 147 and 150.
Leave plenty of time to navigate security checks when entering the stadium. Gates open 1.5-2 hours before kickoff for La Liga matches.
Where to Sit at the Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu has a capacity of over 80,000 fans and is often sold out for major matches. Seating options range from the lower bowl sidelines to upper ring sections behind the goals.
Some of the most popular areas include:
- Lateral Lower – Mid-level sideline seats with a close view of the action.
- Tribuna Baja – First row seats in the middle sections near the halfway line.
- Tribuna Alta – Upper level seats in the central midfield sections with views of the entire pitch.
Tribuna del Fondo Norte y Sur – Sections behind the goal provide a great atmosphere generated by the “Ultra” super fans.
Avoid the upper side ring sections like Fondo Este if possible – they are the farthest from the action. The Bernabéu is known for its great acoustics so any seat will let you soak in the sounds of the fans.
Enjoying the Matchday Experience
Watching a Real Madrid match at their historic stadium with passionate local fans is an unforgettable experience. Sing along with the chants and songs, cheer raucously when Los Blancos score, and make some new friends with the fans around you.
Soak in the electric atmosphere inside the stadium on matchday – it’s one of the great cathedrals of world football. Taking part in traditions like throwing confetti after each Real Madrid goal is a must as well!
Some key chants to learn include:
- “Hala Madrid” – The classic Real Madrid chant that means “Go Madrid”.
- “Si Se Puede” – Translates to “Yes We Can” and is shouted when the team needs support.
- “Así, Así, Así gana el Madrid” – Clap along as this means “This is how Madrid wins”.
Top players to watch out for include Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Junior. With a capacity crowd cheering them on, witnessing Real Madrid’s stars in action in person is a bucket list sporting event.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Most lodging options are located in the city center, but it’s also worth looking near the stadium itself in the Chamartín district. Many hotels offer discounted rates on weekends during the football season.
Some top-rated lodging choices include:
- Hotel Auditorium – 4-star hotel next to the Concha Espina metro station close to the stadium.
- Room Mate Óscar – Modern hotel in the trendy Chueca neighborhood with gorgeous design.
- Hotel Weare Chamartín – Affordable hotel just 600m from the Bernabéu.
- Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques – Elegant 5-star hotel in a 19th century palace downtown.
Nearby neighborhoods like Malasaña, La Latina, and Barrio de las Letras have excellent restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops to enjoy when you’re not at the match.
Getting Around the City
Madrid is very walkable, especially in central districts, but the metro is also easy to use with stations throughout the city. A single ride ticket costs €1.50-2 and day passes are available.
Taxis and Uber are plentiful if you need to go farther. Most major tourist attractions are located in the city center within a few miles of each other.
Must See Sites and Activities
When not watching football, be sure to take in some of Madrid’s world-famous sights:
- Prado Museum – One of the finest collections of European art in the world.
- Retiro Park – Massive scenic urban park with beautiful gardens and lakes.
- Plaza Mayor – Historic 17th century square surrounded by restaurants and shops.
- Royal Palace of Madrid – Official residence of the royal family.
- Gran Via – Iconic shopping street with ornate architecture.
Fantastic day trips from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, and the palace at El Escorial. And of course, no trip to Spain is complete without sampling tapas, paella, and other amazing local cuisine and wines.
Cheering on Real Madrid at the Bernabéu
Watching Real Madrid at their enormous stadium with passionate local supporters is an experience like no other for football fans. The atmosphere for a big match against a rival or late Champions League knockout stage game is electric.
While getting your hands on tickets may take persistence and planning, it’s well worth the effort of a trip to Madrid. Singing theReal Madrid anthem “Hala Madrid” before kickoff and cheering Los Blancos legends like Benzema and Modric will create lifelong memories.
By allowing plenty of time to get tickets, finding convenient local accommodations, and soaking in Spain’s amazing culture, your Real Madrid pilgrimage will be a huge success. Just be warned – you may become a Madridista for life after visiting the Santiago Bernabéu!