The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas will face in the coming years a deep remodeling that will mark a before and after in its history. The Community of Madrid has approved an investment of more than 40 million euros to modernize and refurbish the Madrid bullring, with the aim of adapting it to current needs in terms of safety, accessibility and heritage conservation, just as it approaches its centenary in 2031.
A comprehensive refurbishment and a new gastronomic venture
The project, which will start in 2026 and will last for five years, includes a general intervention on the building with a circular footprint in the square and specific actions in other areas such as the northeast corner corral, the stable yard, the tack room and adjoining areas. The work will affect all levels of the building, both its construction elements and interior finishes as well as the entire supporting structure, guaranteeing safety and functionality for the nearly 25,000 spectators that the venue can hold.
One of the most innovative aspects of the plan is the creation of a fixed restaurant inside Las Ventas, following the model of other major international sports and cultural venues. According to Madrid Total, the restaurant space will be located in the vicinity of the Puerta Grande, between the 7th and 8th seats, allowing its independent use outside of bullfighting days and opening the arena to new audiences and gastronomic experiences.
Concerts and cultural uses: an uncertain future
The reform of Las Ventas does not contemplate, at least for the moment, the return of the large concerts that marked the recent history of the venue. The regional government has ruled out turning the arena into a multi-purpose space, prioritizing the bullfighting function and the security of the building. Any future musical event would be subject to a reduced capacity and not interfere with the bullfighting season, which is a change of course compared to previous decades.
Conservation and modernization of an Asset of Cultural Interest
Las Ventas, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, has received previous investments in recent years for the improvement of stands, roofs, the chapel, the infirmary and other emblematic spaces. The integral reform planned now seeks to consolidate the square as the third great meeting point of the capital, only surpassed by the Santiago Bernabéu and Metropolitano stadiums, and to guarantee its conservation and functionality for future generations, although it is not known if the anti-bullfighting sentiment will become more relevant over the years.