Watch: The epic transformation of Santiago Bernabeu for the first NFL game | OneFootball

The Santiago Bernabeu, a stadium iconic for its connection with Real Madrid, witnessed a moment unlike anything in its long and decorated history. 

What usually serves as the stage for European nights, derby battles, and La Liga drama was transformed into a full NFL arena as the Miami Dolphins took on the Washington Commanders. 

For Madrid and for the NFL, it marked a milestone, the first time the remodelled Bernabeu officially hosted an American football game.

A sight to behold

Preparing the stadium for the event required far more than cosmetic tweaks. 

The first major alteration involved the heart of the arena – the playing field. To align the stadium with NFL regulations, the traditional football goals were removed and replaced with American football goalposts. 

The pitch dimensions also needed to be recalculated, expanding to an NFL-approved 120 yards in length and 53.33 yards in width.

Visual identity also played a key part in the transformation. The end zones were repainted with the distinctive colours and logos of the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. 

Yard markers were placed across the pitch, bringing the field markings in line with league standards.

Since each NFL team travels with a much larger squad, 45 active players, though only 11 participating at once, the Bernabeu had to replace its standard benches with wider, mobile alternatives capable of accommodating the expanded groups.

Even the grass required special attention. Although the Bernabeu used the same hybrid surface Real Madrid play on, the turf underwent targeted treatments to adjust moisture levels.

Inside the stadium, technology received upgrades as well. Scoreboards were reconfigured to display NFL-specific data. 

And lastly, a video review system, essential to the NFL’s decision-making process, was installed to support officiating calls throughout the match.