## NFL Blossoms in Berlin, But Are historic Stadiums enough?
The NFL returned to Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on November 9, 2025, with a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons. While the event was a success, questions remain about whether Germany’s historic stadiums can keep pace with the evolving demands of modern american football and othre international sports leagues.
Germany substantially upgraded it’s stadium infrastructure in preparation for hosting the 2006 World Cup, and further improvements were made for Euro 2024. However, investment in German stadium infrastructure has been limited in recent years.
This contrasts with developments elsewhere in Europe.Architect Bianca Binder of Populous, the firm behind Tottenham Stadium, noted Germany’s potential as a market in a recent interview with a German newspaper, *HE DOES*, though she did not specifically address stadiums. Tottenham Stadium, a key venue for NFL games in London, features a retractable pitch system allowing for both grass and artificial turf surfaces. Real Madrid’s newly renovated Bernabeu stadium boasts an even more elegant retractable pitch system capable of managing multiple surfaces and maintenance operations, and will host the first NFL game in Spain later this month.
While these advanced facilities represent significant investment – Tottenham and Real Madrid are reportedly facing decades of debt repayment – they demonstrate a commitment to attracting and accommodating events like NFL games. With the NFL firmly established in Europe and the NBA reportedly planning a European league launch in 2027,such investments appear strategically sound.
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, however, offers a different appeal: history.
“It was very humbling,” Colts star Jonathan Taylor said.”this is a historic place, and if you look back at the history of the guys who have achieved amazing feats here, ther’s no slouch. To kind of be a part of that, it makes me feel like I’m a part of that lineage. Like I said, I’m just so appreciative. I’m humbled to just have a small piece of history here.”
Teammate Zaire Franklin echoed this sentiment. “Playing in a historic venue – we all know what Jesse Owens did here years ago, so that’s fantastic. We’re in that huddle with the game on the line, you’re looking around that huddle, it’s like, look, where would you rather be?”
Despite the unique atmosphere and ancient importance, the question remains whether the NFL and its teams will continue to accept compromises like “patchwork pitches and small locker rooms” in the long term, especially as other European venues offer more modern and pleasant facilities.
*Edited by: Saim dušan Inayatullah*
