As a result of the popularity of the game pelota in the late 19^th century, a frontón (pelota court) was built in Madrid to play host to these sporting events. Joaquín Rucoba, whose architectural works include the Teatro Arriaga and Town Hall in Bilbao, and the bullring and Alfonso XII market in Malaga, was responsible for this construction in 1893, since he had also built a similar frontón in San Sebastian.

The works were completed the following year and the building was opened on 29 April 1894, in the Chamberí district. With capacity for 4,000 spectators, it closed in 1919 and canopies were built on the open court, to be used as a car park. In 2011, it was declared a Place of Cultural Interest under the category of Monument, being the only frontón still standing in Madrid.

125 years of history

 The Beti-Jai celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2019. After its inauguration in 1894, it was a fronton court and venue until 1918. From 1919 onwards, it was used for various purposes, such as an auto repair shop, a police station, a prison, and a plaster and plasterboard workshop, among others.

It was declared a National Monument in 1991 and a BIC heritage site in 2011. In May 2015, Madrid City Hall completed its purchase of Beti Jai, and work began to renovate the building without altering its essence.

The renovations were completed in early 2019, and during the process, thorough research was conducted (using newspapers of the time, library documents, collaboration with associations and experts) to ensure the new Beti Jai would remain as true to the original as possible.