Not even Real Madrid: “It’s never like this at the Bernabéu” as NFL fever sweeps Spain

“On any other Friday during work hours, the area around the stadium isn’t like this. There’s never this much foot traffic,” says a journalist who regularly covers Real Madrid. “You can really feel the anticipation and curiosity around this NFL game.”

Even before lunch, the surroundings of the Bernabéu are packed. Visitors either pose for photos with the stadium’s NFL-themed decorations ahead of Sunday’s Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders matchup or carry shopping bags from the newly opened NFL Shop.

A soccer stadium transformed for American football

Almost everything is set for what will be Spain’s first official NFL game. AS toured the stadium this Friday and witnessed the extensive transformation. The pitch has been fully converted for American football, with a crisp NFL logo at midfield, bright white yard lines, and end zones themed for each team. At either end, goalposts now stand where soccer goals once dominated. There’s no trace of the soccer penalty boxes, center circle, or nets. This week, the NFL rules.

Players and security prepare for game day

The players themselves won’t see the stadium until Saturday, when both teams conduct a walkthrough, a light practice on what is technically a rest day. That same day, U.S. security officials will perform a full inspection, checking every corner of the stadium, which will have been completely cleared for the occasion. Outside, concrete barricades and rows of fencing are already in place to manage crowd access.

Locker rooms and behind-the-scenes upgrades

Inside the Bernabéu, the locker rooms have been expanded into adjacent spaces to accommodate 53 players and more than 20 coaches. Cheerleaders have their own designated area. The halftime stage for Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee is securely locked, while the Madrid Marine Infantry Band rehearses the Spanish national anthem. Even the stadium museum has been temporarily reimagined to include an NFL section, featuring the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all Super Bowl champion rings.

NFL Shop draws massive crowds

After checking the pristine field, AS visited the stadium store, which welcomed between 5,000 and 10,000 fans throughout the day. Pierre Leclerc, retail director at Fanatics, explained the logistics of transforming the 30,000-square-foot space from Real Madrid merchandise to NFL gear. “With the club’s help, we cleared it out in a single day, and by Tuesday it will be back to normal,” he said. The Bernabéu is truly dressed for a gala event.

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