The Santiago Bernabéu is just days away from transforming into a stage for the NFL, marking a historic moment for Madrid and Spain. It’s a unique occasion that requires several adjustments to prepare the iconic stadium for teams exceeding 50 players, the larger field layout, and the presence of the famous cheerleaders.

The NFL powerhouse lands in Madrid this week for Sunday’s matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at the Bernabéu. To host the event, Chamartín must undergo important modifications. The pitch dimensions will be changed from 105x68 meters to 109x48.8 meters, achieved by making the first rows behind the goals retractable, creating the extra space needed for the American football field.

Another significant challenge involves accommodating nearly 100 people per team, including players and coaches. The locker rooms must be spacious enough for everyone, so the visitors’ dressing room has been upgraded, including adjustments to the shower area. The benches on the sidelines will also be extended to fit the larger teams.

Additionally, NFL coaching staff typically split their duties between the bench and the press box to analyze plays from above. To meet this requirement, specific boxes at the Bernabéu have been reserved for both teams’ analysts.

Lastly, the mixed zone setup has been altered. Unlike in football, NFL teams don’t share press rooms—each must have its own. As a result, the Bernabéu’s lower levels have been adapted to include a second press conference area, ensuring both head coaches can address the media separately in compliance with NFL standards.

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