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    The story behind the retractable pitch system at an iconic stadium

    Stadiums become multipurpose venues

    Case of successicono SENER Mobility
    Sener/Proyectos/The story behind the retractable pitch system at an iconic stadium

    The story behind the retractable pitch system at an iconic stadium

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    The story behind the retractable pitch system at an iconic stadium

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    A solution to maximize the use of the space occupied by the pitch in stadiums

    In many ways, today’s large stadiums have become modern shrines. However, the main sports function, for which most of them were designed, precludes any use or operation for alternative activities such as concerts, fairs, conventions or other sporting events.

    How can we multiply the commercial use of these urban infrastructures? How can we optimize their functionality and put them at the service of citizens every day of the year?

    This premise was what inspired our architects and engineers to develop a new stadium concept, equipped with the most advanced technology that allows the natural grass pitch to be removed quickly and safely in any stadium in the world, whether already built or yet to be built. This is how the retractable grass system arose that allows the natural grass pitch to be removed in a fully automated way.

    The spectacular retractable grass system designed and patented by Sener was offered to Real Madrid Club to install it in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, one of the most emblematic stadiums in the world.

     

     

     

    High-tech stadiums that serve as the hubs of cities, much like the amphitheatres in the ancient Roman Empire.

    Characteristics

    Grass stored in ideal conditions

    The system, fully automated, moves the trays with the natural grass to an underground warehouse, called Hypogeum, equipped with ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, control and irrigation systems, that can set up ideal ambient conditions to preserve the grass.

    Access for staff and landscaping materials is also facilitated for ideal continuous maintenance, regardless of the events that may be taking place in the stadium.

    Highly reliable for fast grass removal

    The system has a set of mechanisms that allow for the horizontal and vertical movements of the trays with the grass, thought up and designed by Sener in such a way that the maximum reliability of the system is always guaranteed, allowing the pitch to be removed quickly for the organisation of events.

    Advantages

    Versatility and reliability
    Any stadium can be transformed into a multipurpose venue to host all kinds of shows, from concerts, conventions or fairs to all kinds of alternative sporting events, including e-sports or even water events, thus expanding its potential commercial operation.
    Adaptability
    It can easily be adapted to the geometry and operating requirements of virtually any stadium in the world, whether already built, under construction or yet to be built. In this regard, we have developed different alternatives that allow for a more intensive use of the stadium depending on each business model.
    Our own patent
    We have our own patent and technology to make stadiums true multipurpose venues.
    Grass technology
    Our system is able to incorporate all landscaping systems and facilities for the optimal preservation of the natural grass.

    Contact our expert

    Jorge Vizcaya

    Sener Architect

    “In many ways, stadiums have become modern shrines. However, the sports function, for which most of them were designed, precludes any use or operation for alternative activities.”

    “At Sener, we have always believed that stadiums must be designed in such a way that their function transcends a mere sporting use.”

    ©Sener - Sener Group 2025