The energy in the Bernabéu Stadium during the NFL game in Madrid was special.
For the first time ever, the National Football League (NFL) played on Spanish soil – and I am proud to say that Cisco played a key role in bringing one of the world’s most famous sports to one of sports’ most famed venues.
From Fútbol to Football
The Bernabéu has always been a global home to fútbol (or soccer!), but this past weekend saw Cisco work with our long-standing partners at Real Madrid F.C. to welcome the National Football League into their home for the first time.
When Cisco renewed our partnership with the iconic club this past summer, we knew this weekend in November would be a focal point of the partnership to showcase how our technology could seamlessly transform the stadium into a home for an NFL game. Witnessing the game unfold seamlessly filled us with immense pride and clearly demonstrated how Cisco’s technology can deliver an exceptional experience for every fan, broadcaster, and partner—no matter what organizations come together in a stadium for an event. This is a true testament to the impact we can have when we work as one team.
Seeing our partnerships with both the NFL and Real Madrid shine in tandem for this magical night in Madrid is a true testament to the impact Cisco has made in the sports and entertainment industry. Not only was it a powerful sign of the excellence that can emerge when our partnerships pair together to innovate on the global stage, but it was an unparalleled proof point for the power of One Cisco.
An Unforgettable Experience for Our Customers
Beyond the amazing on-field action, one of the highlights of the weekend was hosting a small group of our customers for a behind-the-scenes look at how Cisco underpins the technological backbone of the Bernabéu. This group of guests received a pre-match stadium tour to see Cisco technology in action at one of the most complex sporting events Spain has ever hosted.
From the stadium Wi-Fi that allows 70,000+ fans to seamlessly connect, to in-stadium digital signage and cutting-edge broadcast innovation, our customers saw the full 360-degree impact that Cisco has had on the Bernabéu, and how both the NFL and Real Madrid rely on us to deliver when it matters most. I am grateful to Rama Ravindranathan of the NFL and Enrique Uriel from Real Madrid for taking the time that Sunday to show our customers around and detail all the work that goes into powering an event of this magnitude.
Building Off of This Momentum
Knowing that Cisco has been a key player in making this historic moment possible is a tremendous source of pride. It clearly reflects our ability to drive the future of technological innovation in the sports industry. This achievement inspires us and motivates us to keep leading the way and making a lasting impact.
Cisco + football + fútbol – we’re better together.