Date of Graduation

Spring 5-23-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Global Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Global Studies

First Advisor

John Zarobell

Second Advisor

Ilaria Giglioli

Abstract

The Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain and the Chase Center in San Francisco, California are two stadium redevelopment projects that exemplify the stakeholder dynamics that come into play when developers pitch a multipurpose stadium located a few blocks away from people’s backyards. Urban development patterns must be in constant evolution to meet the needs and demands of the current generations. In cities, stadia redevelopment projects have entered the picture to reimagine the role that these structures once played. The stadium once used for the sole purpose of holding matches has become a venue that now hosts different events such as concerts, conferences and needless to say, sports matches. As modern sports arenas aim to get closer to metropolitan centers, the multipurpose aspects of these new entertainment hubs have created tensions amongst nearby residents, developers, and government officials. This thesis integrates semi-structured interviews, legal-document based analysis, and site visits in an effort to evaluate these two case studies, and the processes these stadia took to navigate the stakeholder negotiation and city planning processes that led to the approval of the construction of the Chase Center and the latest renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu. A set of recommendations is offered upon the completion of the analysis in an effort to promote efficient cooperation practices between all the stakeholders involved in these stadium redevelopment projects and the prevention of lawsuits that could halt the projects or become an unnecessary financial burden for the plaintiffs.

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