Madrid is gearing up for the sporting event of the year. On Sunday, November 16, the Bernabéu will host the first-ever NFL game in Spain, as the Miami Dolphins face the Washington Commanders on the hallowed turf that usually belongs to Real Madrid.

A stadium transformed

The newly renovated Bernabéu is undergoing yet another spectacular transformation — this time to welcome American football. With just days to go before kickoff, the final preparations are in full swing: the uprights are up, the end zones are being painted, and the field markings are being finalized. The pitch has been resized to meet NFL standards, changing from 105x68 meters to 109x48.8 meters. To achieve this, the first rows of seats behind each goal have been retracted using a system of movable floor panels — a striking example of the stadium’s cutting-edge engineering.

The venue’s technical facilities have also been reconfigured to meet league requirements. The locker rooms and team areas have been expanded to accommodate nearly 100 personnel per team, while press boxes and media suites have been upgraded. Each franchise will have its own dedicated space, and several coaching staff members will analyze plays from the press level for an elevated view of the field.

The transformation extends beyond the stadium walls. The façade now features the flags of Spain, the United States, and the NFL, along with massive league logos and event banners. To mark the occasion, Real Madrid has unveiled a new visual identity for its venue — now promoted simply as Bernabéu, complete with a minimalist logo inspired by its futuristic silhouette. While the rebranding has stirred debate among traditionalists, the club says it reflects the stadium’s global outlook and its ambitions to become a hub for major international events.

Tweet Miami Dolphins https://x.com/losdolphins/status/1989065275489325069

— Miami Dolphins (@LosDolphins) June 13, 2025

Madrid becomes the NFL’s new frontier

The official club store inside the Bernabéu has undergone a total makeover. Since November 14, it has been offering a limited-edition NFL Madrid Game collection, featuring merchandise from all 32 NFL teams and exclusive memorabilia from the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders. It’s the first time Real Madrid’s retail space has been fully dedicated to another sport.

The popular Bernabéu Tour has also been adapted to include a mini NFL museum, showcasing the Vince Lombardi Trophy, 60 Super Bowl championship rings, and helmets from every franchise. Visitors can also explore autograph displays, interactive exhibits, and even virtual-reality experiences. In central Madrid, near the iconic Cibeles Fountain, three giant NFL helmets have been installed as a photo hotspot and meeting point for fans.

In the week leading up to the game, Madrid is living and breathing the NFL spirit. Fan zones, player meet-and-greets, concerts, and interactive fan events are taking place across the city.

Hosting the event is a massive logistical operation: over 180 staff members and five tons of equipment have been flown in, including field infrastructure and training gear. The Washington Commanders are training at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas complex, while the Miami Dolphins are using facilities at Metropolitano.

The response has exceeded expectations. The NFL has confirmed that all media credentials have been allocated, with press demand surpassing capacity weeks in advance. Ticket prices range from €85 to €395 — significantly lower than the €600-plus seats for a typical Real Madrid home match, despite the NFL game’s historic nature.

The Bernabéu transformed into a NFL stadium. https://x.com/theMadridZone/status/1989272816747978974

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 15, 2025

The NFL conquers Spain

The Halftime Show promises world-class entertainment. Performing live will be Bizarrap, the Argentine producer behind the viral BZRP Music Sessions, and Daddy Yankee, the reggaeton legend making a comeback after announcing his retirement in 2023. The duo will perform their joint track BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 0/66 along with hits like Gasolina and Despacito. Before kickoff, both national anthems will be performed — Spain’s by the Marine Infantry Band of Madrid, and the U.S. anthem by Karina Pasian.

Bernabéu: The New Global Stage

The Dolphins–Commanders clash is only the beginning of a new era for the Bernabéu. In December, the stadium will host the Mavidad winter festival, and more international events are already lined up for 2026. After years of noise restrictions, the Bernabéu now aims to become one of Europe’s premier destinations for sports and entertainment.

November 16, 2025, will be a landmark date in Spanish sports history — the day when NFL whistles sound for the first time on Spanish soil, and American football takes over the Bernabéu. Organizers promise a show worthy of the Super Bowl, complete with music, lights, and the kind of spectacle designed to captivate an entire city.

The Madrid game is part of the NFL’s ongoing global expansion strategy, following the success of previous international games in London, Munich, and Mexico City. As Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president, explains: Spain and Brazil are markets with enormous potential and rapidly growing fan bases. Our mission is to bring American football closer to new communities around the world.