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NFL Debuts at Bernabéu as Dolphins Face Commanders in Madrid

A €1.6 billion stadium overhaul featuring a retractable roof, a retractable pitch and expanded hospitality enabled the Bernabéu to host the league’s first regular‑season game in Spain.

Overview

  • The Bernabéu was converted from soccer configuration to an NFL field using its retractable pitch system ahead of the Dolphins–Commanders matchup.
  • The Madrid game closes the NFL’s 2025 international slate after fixtures in São Paulo, Dublin, London and Berlin.
  • Real Madrid is renting the stadium to the NFL and receiving a small share of ticket sales as part of its venue monetisation strategy.
  • Atlético Madrid hosted the Dolphins’ training at the Metropolitano despite reported efforts from Florentino Pérez’s camp to block the arrangement.
  • Attendance included high‑profile football figures such as Antoine Griezmann and Koke, who praised the significance of the event, with both teams entering at 3–7.