THE WORLD’S first football club theme park is set to open in Dubai next year.
This is Real Madrid World – an adventure theme park complete with rollercoasters, sporting exhibits, challenges, and virtual reality.
Entering the theme park has been envisioned as feeling no different to walking through the streets of Madrid.
The buildings in the park, situated along what has been dubbed “The Avenue of Champions” will look like traditional Spanish infrastructure.
A huge restaurant named “Hala Madrid“, after their anthem, will feature on the avenue – fit for hosting 15,000 people.
Alongside the mega-restaurant, there will also be a training pitch, a Real Madrid store.
For those die-hard adventure-junkies, the theme park is set to feature “The Coaster”.
This beast is an impressive wooden roller coaster that will reach top speeds whilst reviewing all of the European Cups won by the Spanish side throughout history.
Families with young children are as welcome as older thrill-seekers, with an attraction called “The Wave” designed almost exclusively for them.
No less exciting, the plans describe this attraction as: “Join the ranks of the most dedicated fans while you scream at the top of your lungs to cheer on your team on this family roller coaster.
“Emotions, chills and a roar the size of the Santiago Bernabéu will accompany you on this exciting journey.”
For those that are more interested in the history of the club, they can head to “The Universe of the Stars” – a journey through the winning culture of the club.
Here, visitors are met with state-of-the-art training technology, and can participate in challenges for the football team.
Futuristic experiences created by virtual reality in the model Plaza de la Cibeles also promises to leave participants “feeling like the players celebrating the Champions League in the legendary Madrid square”.
The park is being built around 19 miles from Palmera, on the site of the old Bollywood park, preserving part of the existing infrastructure.
Although the exact date of the park’s grand opening has not been confirmed yet, it is thought to open no later than 2025.
Real Madrid World is opening under Dubai Parks and Resorts – the UAE’s largest theme park and entertainment destination.
The company already owns parks such as Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park.
Last year, the CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment Fernando Eiroa revealed how excited they were to be adding Real Madrid World to their legacy.
Eiroa said: “We are thrilled to add this ambitious project to Dubai’s thriving entertainment and leisure offer.
“Real Madrid is a megastar of world football and one of the world’s most recognised sports teams, with an unmatched track record of success and millions of passionate supporters from every corner of the planet.”
Real Madrid World Dubai might be the club’s first theme park, but it’s unlikely to be their last.
Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, has long dreamt of creting a global network of theme parks dedicated to his club – suggesting that this is only the beginning.
The president has previously announced plans for parks in Miami and Beijing, and has insinuated that the grand plan is to open one in Madrid in years to come.
The 76-year-old billionaire, who also owns a civil engineering company, recently revealed that he has no plans to step down.
Although it is thought that Rafael Nadal may eventually take on the presidential role after he hangs up his racquet.
