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Sunday, November 16, 2025 will go down in history as the first time an NFL match was ever hosted in Spain, as the capital Madrid hosts a battle between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders as part of the tournament’s international series.
Madrid has positioned the event as part of a wider strategy to attract major international sporting properties and host the match at Real Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu stadium. The renovation of the stadium has made it a venue that can host football, American football, major concerts and corporate events all year round.
For the NFL, the game represents a step forward in expanding the international calendar and building a footprint in new European markets, while tapping into the powerhouse that is the Spanish-speaking market.
Five facts about the Bernabéu
Recently branded as “Bernabéu”, the stadium has dropped its full previous name, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, and can seat 83,186 spectators. It looks like the stadium will be completely sold out for the first NFL match to take place on Spanish soil. Here are some more intriguing facts about the host facility.
1. The stadium was built in the aftermath of the war and named after the man who inspired it
Officially opened on December 14, 1947, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was built to replace the older Campo de Chamartín and provide a home befitting Real Madrid’s ambitions. The decision followed then-president Santiago Bernabéu’s vision of a stadium that could host both domestic league matches and football at international level.
Construction took place in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, leaving materials and resources scarce. Still, the project was completed in about three years. Over the decades, the stadium has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to keep up with changing stadium standards.
The name was changed in 1955 in honor of Santiago Bernabéu himself. Today, the venue is not only the home of Real Madrid, but also a symbol of the club’s growth from national powerhouse to global brand.
2. Major sporting events are nothing new; the 1982 World Cup final was one of the biggest
On an international scale, the stadium served as the venue for the 1964 European Nations’ Cup final, when Spain defeated the Soviet Union to claim the title. Most importantly, it hosted the 1982 FIFA World Cup final, when Italy defeated West Germany 3-1. It is also among the frontrunners to host football’s biggest match again in 2030, pending rival bids from co-host Morocco.
At club level, the Bernabéu hosted four European Cup or Champions League finals in 1957, 1969, 1980 and 2010. The first of these, the 1957 final on 30 May, saw Real Madrid beat Fiorentina 2–0 in front of an estimated 124,000 spectators. The 1969 final ended 4-1 in favor of AC Milan over Ajax, while eleven years later Nottingham Forest defeated Hamburg 1-0. In 2010, the venue again hosted the final of the then Champions League, when Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-0.
In 2018, the Bernabéu hosted the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate, the first time the South American final was played outside the continent.
3. The financial potential of a $1.6 billion investment
Real Madrid’s redevelopment of the Bernabeu has become one of the most expensive stadium projects in European football. According to the club’s official statement, as of June 30, 2025, the club reported a total investment of approximately €1.3 billion ($1.6 billion). financial statements. The scale of the project required one of the largest financing arrangements in the industry. The country reported that Real Madrid has secured loans worth a total of approximately €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) across three long-term packages to finance the renovation.
The aim of this investment was to expand the commercial potential of the stadium and increase annual operating results. Before the pandemic, the venue generated approximately €128 million ($149 million) per season. Reporting from IF noted that the club aims to bring that amount closer to €300 million ($349 million) once the renovated stadium is operating at full capacity.
The financial impact is already visible in the club’s accounts. During the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid became the first football club to exceed €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in annual revenue. Deloitte’s Football Money League. Financial reports show that recurring stadium revenues increased 38% year-on-year, excluding seat license sales.
4. The stadium has been home to much more than just Real Madrid
In recent years the stadium has evolved beyond its football roots into a broader entertainment venue. Notably, global pop star Taylor Swift performed two concerts there on May 29 and 30, 2024, as part of her Eras Tour, celebrating one of the largest musical events at the facility following its major renovation. Even before modernization, the stadium hosted major concerts from global artists such as U2 and Bruce Springsteen, while Karol G has also visited since Swift’s tour.
The arena’s renovation, which cost approximately €1.9 billion, included updates to audience comfort and technology that made the stadium more suitable for major concerts. While the club remains primarily focused on football, the shift to mixed use demonstrates the venue’s ability to host both major global entertainment and sporting events.
The city itself also expects large revenues, which may even exceed the success of other locations in the international series, such as in Berlin. 2Playbook cites reports from the city’s estimate that it aims to generate as much as €16 million ($18.6 million) in associated revenue.
5. Adjustments have been made for the NFL, such as the locker rooms
To meet football requirements the stadium has undergone significant changes. The field surface has been modified to accommodate the larger field dimensions and associated infrastructure, with the front rows at each end removed to make room for a larger playing surface.
The underlying turf system has recently been upgraded and stores the usual surface below ground using LED lighting to care for the grass, while the temporary surface is in place above. Behind the scenes, areas such as locker rooms, medical facilities and stadium operations have also been expanded or reconfigured, with the expanded locker rooms extending into areas normally reserved for VIP guests to make room for the full rosters.
Additionally, the exterior branding has been updated to reflect the NFL event and to present the stadium as a global venue for sports beyond just football. These adjustments highlight how the stadium positions itself not only for one football club, but also for global multi-sport events, and marks a new chapter in the Bernabéu’s history.
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