Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)Seating Guide: Where to Sit & Best Seats
The Caja Mágica ("Magic Box"), designed by French architect Dominique Perrault and opened in 2009, is the permanent home of the Mutua Madrid Open. Its centre court, the Estadio Manolo Santana, holds approximately 12,442 spectators and is wrapped around a single clay court in a steep, intimate bowl with a retractable roof. Seating is split into a Lower tier (B-level blocks B1–B24 plus the front rows of the A-level) and an Upper tier (A-level blocks A1–A24), with blocks numbered around the bowl. The best views are courtside and in the low Lower-tier rows along the sidelines; the best-value seats are the higher rows of the Upper A-level, while shade arrives earliest on the west side and the north end of the stadium. Premium options include Platinum Seats, rooftop Sky Seats and DO&CO-catered VIP Boxes.
Configurations
Tennis — Mutua Madrid Open (ATP/WTA)
Primary use. The Manolo Santana centre court hosts the headline ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 matches on clay, in day and night sessions. A retractable roof allows play in any weather. A Manolo Santana Stadium ticket also includes unreserved access to the smaller show courts and the grounds.
Tennis — outer show courts (same complex)
The complex contains two further indoor show courts under their own retractable roofs — the Estadio Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (around 2,900 seats) and Court 3 (around 1,800 seats) — plus additional outdoor courts used for early-round and qualifying matches.
Concerts & live entertainment
The arena has been used for major music and entertainment events, including the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024. For concerts the layout changes to an end-stage configuration with a floor/standing area replacing the clay court, so block numbering and sightlines differ from tennis.
Indoor sport & multi-purpose events
The venue has hosted indoor sporting events such as basketball and the 2013 World Men's Handball Championship, with a central court or pitch and the surrounding bowl seating used as the primary stands.
Seating levels explained
Courtside / front Lower rows
Front rows of B1–B24The lowest seats ringing the clay, closest to the players. The first two rows of the east-side B-level are sold as premium Platinum Seats.
Pros: Closest to the action; players feel within touching distance; best for atmosphere and photography
Cons: Most expensive; a low, flat angle that can make following long baseline rallies harder; limited shade on the sunny side
Lower tier
B1–B24 (rows 6–13) and A1–A24 (rows 1–2)The main lower bowl wrapping the court, combining the B-level blocks with the first two rows of the A-level above them.
Pros: Excellent proximity and elevation balance; strong all-round sightlines down the lines and across the court
Cons: A-level rows 1–2 sit behind safety rails and glass that can slightly clip the view; sideline blocks command higher prices than the ends
Upper tier
A1–A24 (rows 3–10)The upper ring of A-level blocks rising above the lower bowl, encircling the entire court.
Pros: Best value; a clean, elevated overview of the whole court that is ideal for reading tactics and rallies; the steep bowl keeps even high rows reasonably close
Cons: Furthest from the players; end blocks behind the baselines give a flatter perspective; highest rows are a long climb
Premium / hospitality seating
Catered premium products: east-side Platinum Seats with lounge access, rooftop Sky Seats suites, and VIP Boxes on the centre court served by DO&CO.
Pros: Best comfort, climate control, lounge access and dining; prime sideline or panoramic positions
Cons: Significantly higher cost; Sky Seats sit high on the rooftop level, further from the court
Best seats at Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall view | Lower B-level sideline blocks, mid-height rows (around B13–B23 on the shaded west side) | Sideline blocks give a balanced, slightly elevated view straight down the lines, the angle preferred for following clay-court rallies, and the west side is shaded longest during sunny sessions. |
| Best value | Upper A-level (A1–A24, rows 3–10) | The cheapest reserved seats in the stadium, yet the steep bowl keeps them reasonably close, and the higher vantage gives a clear tactical overview of the whole court. |
| Best atmosphere | Lower B-level behind the baselines and the front rows on the sidelines | The lowest tiers sit right on top of the clay, putting you among the loudest, most engaged fans and closest to the players for the biggest match moments. |
| Best for tennis tactics & rally-watching | Sideline blocks (B and A levels) level with or just past the net | A side-on position level with the net is the classic angle for judging depth, court coverage and shot selection across the full length of the court. |
| Best for sun avoidance (day sessions) | West-side and north-end blocks (e.g. west-side A/B13–23) | The Mutua Madrid Open notes that the west side and the north end of the stadium are shaded longer than other sectors during sunny hours. |
| Best premium experience | Platinum Seats (east-side front B-level) or VIP Boxes on centre court | Prime sideline positions combined with lounge access, climate control and DO&CO catering for the most comfortable day at the tennis. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
- A-level rows 1–2 (A1–A24): These front Upper rows sit behind perimeter safety rails and glass, which can slightly obstruct or clip the lower part of the view.
- End / baseline blocks behind the court at both ends: A flatter, straight-on perspective makes it harder to judge the depth and angle of baseline rallies than from the sidelines.
- Highest rows of the Upper A-level: Greatest distance from the court and a long climb; players appear small despite the steep bowl.
- East-side blocks during sunny day sessions: The east side and southern sectors lose their shade earlier, leaving spectators in direct sun for longer than the west side and north end.
Premium & hospitality
Platinum Seats
Located in the first two rows of the east-side B-level, just above courtside, with access to the VIP Platinum Lounge, catered food, premium beverages and air conditioning.
Sky Seats
Rooftop-level suites offering panoramic views with an exclusive lounge and premium dining; the lounge overlooks centre court so guests can keep watching the action.
VIP Boxes
Privileged box positions on the Manolo Santana centre court with exclusive access to the VIP Club, hospitality catered by DO&CO and VIP parking.
Accessibility & companion seating
The Caja Mágica is a modern, purpose-built arena with step-free access and provision for spectators with reduced mobility. The Mutua Madrid Open sells dedicated reduced-mobility tickets, and each one entitles the holder to a second ticket at the same price for a single accompanying person. Wheelchair-accessible positions are provided within the Manolo Santana Stadium; because allocation and exact locations vary by session and layout, accessible seating should be arranged in advance through the official ticketing channels rather than purchased through general resale.
Where: Designated reduced-mobility and companion positions within the Manolo Santana Stadium; specific blocks are assigned at the time of booking. Confirm availability and placement directly with Mutua Madrid Open ticketing.
Upcoming events at Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)
Madrid Open: Day 1
Mon, 19 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 2
Tue, 20 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 3
Wed, 21 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 4
Thu, 22 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 5 - Evening Session
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 5 - Morning session
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 6 - Morning session
Sat, 24 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Madrid Open: Day 6 - Evening Session
Sat, 24 Apr 2027 · ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 (Joint Tournaments)
Frequently asked questions
What are the best seats at Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)?
For the best overall view, choose Lower B-level sideline blocks at a mid-height row, ideally on the shaded west side (around B13–B23). These give a slightly elevated, side-on angle that is ideal for following clay-court rallies. Courtside and the front Lower rows are best for atmosphere and proximity.
Where are the cheapest seats at Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)?
The most affordable reserved seats are in the Upper tier — the A-level blocks (A1–A24, rows 3–10). The steep bowl keeps them reasonably close, and the elevated overview is good for reading the match, making them the best value in the stadium.
What is the difference between Lower and Upper seating?
Lower seating combines the B-level blocks (B1–B24, rows 6–13) with the first two rows of the A-level (A1–A24, rows 1–2). Upper seating is the rest of the A-level (A1–A24, rows 3–10), the upper ring rising above the lower bowl.
Which seats are in the shade at the Madrid Open?
During sunny hours, the Mutua Madrid Open advises that the west side and the north end of the Manolo Santana Stadium stay shaded longer than other sectors, so blocks on that side (such as west-side A/B13–23) are best if you want to avoid the sun.
Does the Caja Mágica have a roof?
Yes. The Manolo Santana Stadium and the two other indoor show courts each have their own retractable roof that can be opened, partially positioned or fully closed, so play continues in any weather.
Is the Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana) accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The arena offers step-free access and reduced-mobility seating positions. Each reduced-mobility ticket also gives the option of a second ticket at the same price for one accompanying person. Book accessible seats in advance through official Mutua Madrid Open ticketing.
What does a Manolo Santana Stadium ticket include?
A Manolo Santana Stadium ticket gives you a reserved seat in the centre court plus unreserved, first-come-first-served access to Stadium 3, the other outer courts and the Tennis Garden grounds. Tickets are sold per session (day or night) and per stadium.
Are there premium or VIP seats at the Madrid Open?
Yes. Options include east-side Platinum Seats with lounge access and air conditioning, rooftop Sky Seats suites with panoramic views, and centre-court VIP Boxes with hospitality catered by DO&CO.