Madrid says ‘bienvenidos’ to NFL fans

The special week the NFL has planned for Madrid to mark its arrival is already in full swing. On Thursday, the crown jewel of the pregame entertainment for Sunday’s matchup officially opened: the Miami Dolphins Fan Zone in Plaza de España, right in the heart of the capital. It will remain open through Sunday, with hours running from noon to 10 p.m.

What’s on offer in the Dolphins Fan Zone?

The venue, which accommodates up to 500 people - whether they’re die-hard Dolphins fans, general football enthusiasts, or just curious passersby - offers multiple interactive areas designed to bring fans closer to the game. Visitors can fire passes through target holes and channel their inner Tua Tagovailoa, dive into a foam pit to snag the ball like Jaylen Waddle, or line up a field goal attempt as if they were Riley Patterson.

According to NFL estimates, fans traveling to attend an international game in person typically stay about four nights, so the influx is already well underway, with Plaza de España serving as the epicenter of the action.

And that’s just the beginning: under the watchful eye of a giant mascot at the center of the space sits Carlos Sainz’s Williams F1 car (the Miami Grand Prix takes place near Hard Rock Stadium), along with Formula 1 simulators and a massive stage hosting concerts, DJs, and live entertainment.

On Saturday, Atlético Madrid soccer star Antoine Griezmann will even record his podcast there alongside Spanish former basketball player Rubén Ibeas. The Dolphins, who will be the home team at the Bernabéu, are one of three NFL franchises with international marketing rights in Spain. By flooding Madrid with their colors - including turning the city’s iconic Fuente de los Delfines (Dolphin Fountain) cyan - the message is clear: Miami is here to stay.

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