Commanders vs. Dolphins in Madrid 2025: Tickets, travel packages and game day guide | Sporting News

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. l-packages-and-game-day-guide-sporting-news.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 2:31 GMT by Sporting News

Commanders vs. Dolphins in Madrid 2025: A Complete Ticket‑and‑Travel Guide

In a landmark move that underscores the NFL’s ambition to expand its global footprint, the Washington Commanders will take on the Miami Dolphins in a preseason showdown in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The game will be played at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the same venue that hosts Real Madrid’s football matches, giving fans a front‑row seat to a city renowned for its passionate sports culture. The Sporting News article—pulled from the official NFL and Commanders press releases—provides a practical, step‑by‑step guide to buying tickets, picking a travel package, and making the most of a weekend in Spain’s capital.

1. Game Details at a Glance

The Commanders are scheduled to face the Dolphins in a game that carries significant weight for the preseason: a chance to test new talent, evaluate coaching strategies, and build fan engagement across the Atlantic.

2. Ticketing Options

The article highlights the ticket tiers that fans can choose from, each with its own set of perks:

*Prices fluctuate by seat location and availability; the article advises fans to book early to lock in the best rates.

Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Commanders Ticketing Platform (link provided in the article). The sales window opens on August 15, 2025 and closes October 5, 2025. Fans are urged to create an account ahead of time, as the system may experience high traffic during the first 48 hours after opening.

For group purchases, the Commanders offer a “Commanders Group Package” that provides discounted rates for parties of 10 or more. The package also includes a group welcome event at the stadium’s “Teamhouse” – an exclusive fan lounge where groups can enjoy food, drinks, and a preview of the game’s pre‑match ceremony.

3. Travel Packages – The “Commanders + Travel” Bundle

One of the article’s focal points is the travel package designed specifically for Commanders fans, which bundles flights, accommodations, and stadium access into a single, all‑inclusive price. The package is offered in partnership with the Commanders Travel Network, a joint venture with travel giant TUI and the Spanish tourism board.

Key Components

1. Flights
   - Outbound and inbound flights depart from major U.S. hubs: New York (JFK), Washington DC (IAD), Miami (MIA), and Atlanta (ATL).
   - The flight bundle includes a “direct‑to‑Madrid” option where available, with a layover in London or Paris for connecting flights.
   - Flight times are coordinated to allow arrival in Madrid by 3 p.m. on the day of the game, providing plenty of time to settle in.

2. Accommodation
   - 4‑star hotels in central Madrid, such as the NH Gran Málaga or the Hotel Bourbon, are included.
   - The package covers 5 nights: arrival day (afternoon), the game day, and the following day, giving fans a taste of Madrid’s nightlife and historic sites.
   - For families or larger groups, the article references “family‑suite” options at the same hotels.

3. Game Day Experience
   - Guaranteed VIP seating for the ticket portion of the package.
   - Access to the stadium’s “Commanders Fan Zone” before kickoff, where fans can interact with team mascots and watch highlight reels.
   - A pre‑game Spanish‑language briefing about the stadium layout, safety procedures, and local customs.

4. City Excursions
   - Guided tours of La Sagrada Familia, El Prado Museum, and a flamenco dinner at Sobrino de Botín.
   - An optional day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is offered for an extra fee.

5. Transportation
   - The package includes a Madrid‑based shuttle to and from the airport and the stadium.
   - A public‑transport pass (Metro+Bus) for 7 days is also included, allowing fans to explore the city freely.

6. Insurance & Support
   - Travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
   - 24/7 concierge support in both English and Spanish.

The article emphasizes that the travel package is fully refundable up to 30 days before the game, subject to a small administrative fee. It also notes that the package can be customized: fans can swap out the hotel, add a luxury “Spanish wine tasting” experience, or upgrade to an “Executive Class” flight.

4. How to Secure a Spot

The article provides a clear, step‑by‑step guide to booking:

1. Create a Ticketing Account
   - Visit the official Commanders Ticketing Page (link).
   - Sign up using a U.S. email address; the account will allow you to select seats, apply promo codes, and manage travel options.

2. Choose Your Ticket Tier
   - Pick your preferred seat (GA, Club, or VIP).
   - Pay the base ticket price via credit card or PayPal.

3. Select the Travel Package
   - On the same platform, navigate to the “Travel & Hospitality” tab.
   - Choose the Commanders + Travel bundle that best fits your travel dates and budget.

4. Finalize Your Booking
   - Review the itinerary, confirm flight details, and finalize hotel reservations.
   - Print or download your e‑ticket and travel itinerary; the platform will send a confirmation email within 24 hours.

The article also mentions a “Save‑the‑Date” alert: fans who sign up before August 15 receive a 10% discount on the travel package and early access to the ticket sale.

5. Practical Tips for Fans

• Passport & Visa: U.S. citizens need a valid passport; no U.S. visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
• Currency: While U.S. credit cards work, the article recommends carrying some euros for small purchases.
• Local Language: Basic Spanish phrases will help navigate the city; the travel package includes a “Spanish Phrase Guide.”
• Safety: The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu follows the latest EU safety protocols; fans should bring a valid ID for entrance.
• COVID‑19: The venue remains vaccine‑required; proof of full vaccination (or a recent negative PCR test) is mandatory.

6. Where to Go From Here

The article ends with a call to action: “Book now and experience the NFL like never before.” For the full ticket inventory, travel details, and FAQ, readers are directed to the Commanders’ official website. The article also links to:

• The NFL’s Official Europe Tour Page
• The Commanders Ticketing Portal
• TUI’s Madrid Travel Packages
• Spanish Tourism Board’s “Madrid for Sports Fans” guide

By consolidating all this information into one comprehensive resource, the Sporting News article provides a definitive playbook for anyone eager to catch the Commanders vs. Dolphins game in Madrid. Whether you’re a die‑hard Washington fan, a Miami enthusiast traveling for the first time to Spain, or a group of college students looking for an unforgettable adventure, this guide ensures you’ll be ready to experience the NFL in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.