Real Madrid to follow Hill Dickinson Stadium lead by bringing surprise new sport to the Bernabeu

Real Madrid are preparing to welcome a surprising new sport to the Santiago Bernabeu later this year, as the LaLiga giants continue to find new ways of maximising one of the world's most advanced stadiums.

The move follows a growing trend among modern venues looking to generate additional revenue beyond football, with Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium already set to host a similar event this summer.

Real Madrid brings golf to the Bernabeu later in 2026

The Bernabeu will be transformed into a giant golf driving range from September 24-27th 2026, thanks to the arrival of Upper Deck Golf.

The experience allows members of the public to hit golf shots from various locations around the stadium seating bowl towards targets placed on the pitch below.

Already popular across the United States, Upper Deck Golf has begun expanding into Europe, with Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium among the first major venues to host the attraction.

Now, Madrid have signed up to bring the event to one of football's most famous stadiums.

The announcement is the latest example of the Bernabeu's evolution following its extensive redevelopment between 2019 and 2024.

The renovation transformed the stadium into a multi-purpose entertainment venue, featuring a retractable roof, advanced event infrastructure and a huge 360-degree video screen.

With a capacity exceeding 83,000, the Bernabeu has increasingly been used for concerts, exhibitions and other non-football events as Real Madrid seek to maximise revenue throughout the year.

Golf's arrival also feels fitting given Spain's long-standing connection with the sport.

The country has produced several major champions, most famously the late Seve Ballesteros, while Spain is also set to host the Ryder Cup again in 2031.

FGG says: Modern stadiums are becoming entertainment hubs

Ten years ago, the idea of turning the Bernabeu into a golf driving range might have sounded bizarre, but today, it feels completely normal.

Clubs are investing hundreds of millions into modern stadiums and increasingly want those venues to generate income on far more than just matchdays. Events like this help attract new visitors while creating additional revenue streams during quieter periods of the year.

Given Spain's strong golfing culture, the concept makes plenty of sense.

And with Everton already taking a similar approach at Hill Dickinson Stadium, it is another sign that football grounds are evolving into year-round destinations rather than venues that only come alive every other weekend.