The NFL game staged at the Bernabéu stadium attracted more than 78,000 fans and boosted Madrid’s economy by more than €70 million.
Madrid City Council said the match-up between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders has confirmed Madrid as the great European capital of sport.
The game at the Bernabéu drew 78,610 spectators and attracted 42,000 international tourists to Madrid.
The Bernabéu Stadium is a retractable roof football stadium in Madrid, Spain. With a seating capacity of 83,186 following its extensive renovation completed in late 2024 the stadium has the second-largest seating capacity for a football stadium in Spain. It serves as the home of Real Madrid CF.
The NFL had a presence in various parts of the city, with the fan zone in Plaza de España, activities in Príncipe Pío, and giant helmets in Plaza de Cibeles.
The global interest in the game, reflected in a 50% increase in searches for accommodation in Madrid according to Booking.com, was further confirmed by the arrival of more than 42,000 international tourists to attend the match, according to data from Hostelería Madrid (Madrid Hospitality Association).
The majority of these fans came from the United States and Europe. These figures consolidate international tourism in Madrid, which now represents 62% of visitors to the city.
The hotel sector recorded one of its best weekends of the year with 90% occupancy in areas such as the city center, Chamartín, and Chamberí.
Meanwhile, the restaurant sector generated an economic volume of up to €21.2 million, driven by an average daily expenditure of between €50 and €100 per international visitor.
The city embraced the NFL’s program of activities, which began with the arrival on Tuesday, November 11, of a delegation of nearly 180 people from the Miami Dolphins.
The training sessions of both teams at the Metropolitano Stadium and Real Madrid’s training complex, the Dolphins’ fan zone set up in Plaza de España, and the meet-and-greet with NFL legends like quarterback Dan Marino all served to highlight the city’s organizational capabilities.
In addition, three giant helmets were installed in Plaza de Cibeles, while Príncipe Pío became the site of a mini flag football field, where families, young people, and fans were able to try the sport for the first time.
Meninas Madrid Gallery also embraced the NFL spirit with two sculptures themed around American football.
The NFL’s global brand generated over €19.3 billion last year, and this year’s Super Bowl reached a record 191.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
Madrid, Global Capital of Sport
In 2024, events such as the Mutua Madrid Open, Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid, Madrid Horse Week, the Acciona Open de España Golf Tournament, and the Laureus World Sports Awards further solidified the city’s prominence in the world of sports.
According to the Madrid Tourism Yearbook 2024, these events generated an impact exceeding €250 million.
The prestigious Burson Sports 2025 report ranks Madrid among the five most attractive cities in the world for hosting major events, thanks to its connectivity, organizational capacity, and the quality of its tourism offerings.
With the first NFL game held on Spanish soil, Madrid reinforces its strategy to boost quality tourism and its international profile.
The capital is now preparing for another milestone with the return of Formula 1 to Madrid in 2026.
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