Tailgating: The Essential Pre-Game Ritual

Supporting Real Madrid looks a little different depending on where in the world you are. In the United States, the build-up to a match starts long before kickoff—and it begins in the parking lot. At the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, fans of Los Blancos have embraced a true American tradition: the tailgate.

Hours before the match, supporters gather with grills, music, and drinks to celebrate their team. “This is part of our culture,” one fan explained. “We show up like it’s an NFL game. The most important part of football is the tailgate.”

The atmosphere is loud and joyful, filled with Real Madrid jerseys, flags, and chants. “Drinks inside are too expensive, so we take care of that out here,” another supporter joked as he flipped burgers next to his car.

A Barça Shirt In A Sea Of Madridistas

In the middle of the Real Madrid crowd, one bold fan showed up wearing a FC Barcelona jersey. His goal? To test how long he could go without anyone insulting him. “I’m supporting Juventus today, just because I don’t want Madrid to win,” he said, laughing. “I’m just seeing how long it takes for someone to say something.”

Surprisingly, after nearly an hour, no one had said a word. “People just look at me. A few say, ‘Bro, you’re wearing the wrong shirt,’ but that’s it. No insults. It’s one of my longest records,” he joked.

It’s a light-hearted moment that shows how Real Madrid fans in the U.S. mix passion with tolerance. Even thousands of miles away from the Santiago Bernabéu, football is still a celebration—a shared experience that brings people together across teams and borders.

While giants like Juventus and Real Madrid battle it out on the field, in the parking lot, fans create their own kind of spectacle. Jerseys, grills, and good vibes turn every matchday into more than just 90 minutes—it becomes a full cultural experience.

This is how Real Madrid fans do matchday… the American way.