Madrid’s iconic Las Ventas bullring is facing scrutiny as the management team of Plaza 1 enters its tenth season. While financially successful, a close relationship with the governing Community of Madrid and a perceived lack of clarity are raising questions about the direction of the famed arena and the future of bullfighting within it.This report examines concerns that prolonged stability might potentially be giving way to stagnation, notably as this year’s San Isidro Fair draws criticism for uninspired lineups and a disconnect from the desires of modern audiences.
After a decade at the helm, the team managing Madrid’s iconic Las Ventas bullring appears comfortable in their position, enjoying more successes than setbacks. Plaza 1, led by Rafael García Garrido and Simón Casas, is entering its tenth season overseeing the famed arena, and by all accounts, they’re firmly in control. Their strong relationship with the building’s owner, the Community of Madrid – governed by the People’s Party – only solidifies their standing.
Both sides readily praise each other. The regional government has never publicly challenged a decision made by Plaza 1, with both the President of the Community and Counselor Carlos Novillo offering effusive compliments to the bullring’s operators. García Garrido and Casas, naturally, reciprocate the praise, acknowledging the government’s unwavering support.
That support extends to financial matters as well. Starting in 2022, with the second phase of Plaza 1’s management of Las Ventas, the annual fee the company pays to the Community dropped significantly from 2.8 million euros to 975,000 euros. While the reason for this substantial reduction wasn’t publicly explained at the time, and whether any concessions were made in return remains unclear. Coupled with other circumstances – such as restrictions on non-bullfighting events within the arena, while the temporary structure erected in the ring remains in high demand – it suggests García Garrido and Casas are financially benefiting from the arrangement.
The San Isidro Fair this year is irrefutable proof that the management company has run out of ideas.
Regardless of political affiliation, it’s positive when a company thrives and a harmonious relationship exists between landlord and tenant, ideally benefiting customers. However, ten years is a long time, and prolonged authority can breed arrogance. A lack of challenge isn’t conducive to sound management.
And after such a long tenure, cracks are beginning to show.
García Garrido and Simón Casas have proven to be astute businessmen, successfully navigating the bullfighting world to make the plaza profitable even during times of uncertainty. But their skills as champions of the sport itself are being questioned.
For example, Plaza 1 isn’t known for its transparency. They unveil the San Isidro Fair posters with much fanfare, but avoid answering media questions about the reasoning behind bull and matador selections. The two businessmen also favor politically correct rhetoric – speaking without offering substantial insight. It’s a frustrating habit stemming from a sense of entitlement.
They’re also criticized for churning out predictable lineups. Since the controversial “bombazo” selection process for the 2018 Autumn Fair, they haven’t presented a single innovative idea capable of generating excitement among ticket buyers. The enduring appeal of bullfighting relies on captivating events, and fans are looking for something fresh.
This year’s San Isidro Fair is further evidence of a creative slump. While the current roster of matadors isn’t the strongest in recent history, and the retirement of Morante is a significant loss, the lack of compelling new talent makes innovative pairings even more crucial.
Simply favoring established matadors with desirable dates and bulls, accommodating recommendations, and sidelining deserving but less-favored performers (the absence of Ginés Marín is particularly baffling) doesn’t require exceptional business acumen. True expertise lies elsewhere.
It shouldn’t be Roca Rey, who shied away from leading a cycle lacking a strong, charismatic figure, with the exception of Borja Jiménez, as the face of the fair.
Choosing Roca Rey as the face of the San Isidro Fair was a misstep. He’s a young and attractive figure for a modern audience, but he shouldn’t be representing a cycle that lacked a dominant, charismatic star, especially given his reluctance to step into that role. Borja Jiménez, the only matador delivering a truly compelling performance this year, was understandably frustrated to see the Peruvian matador take center stage at the gala with a prominence he hadn’t earned.
It’s time for change, before opponents of bullfighting alter their tactics and extinguish the current spark of revival. It’s time to move beyond the comfort zone, away from uninspired lineups, outdated names, and a marathon fair filled with unusual boredom.
Las Ventas needs to embrace transparency, with clear explanations for both inclusions and exclusions. Plaza 1 is a private company with significant public impact, and has a responsibility to provide coherent justifications. The future of the sport may depend on it.
Less smiling and back-slapping from the Community of Madrid, and more demands are needed. García Garrido and Simón Casas should profit, but everyone should benefit – they can earn money, and the audience deserves excitement. The current situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the future of bullfighting in Spain.
Complacency is a dangerous trap, and arrogance is a precursor to failure. A word to the wise…
