NFL Madrid Trip: Dolphins-Fan und Influencer Hendrik Biederstaedt im Interview

What’s up, Doc? The nickname Hendrik Biederstaedt once earned as the operator of a portal in the North German party scene has also stuck within the NFL community. Today, the Hamburg-based "Doc" prefers to practice under the Florida sun, where his heart beats for the Miami Dolphins. This passion runs so deep that, since 2023, Hendrik has been an NFL Season Ticket Holder for the team from South Beach—despite living over 5,000 flight miles away. In this interview, Hendrik talks about planning his 2025 NFL trips, tips for the NFL Madrid ticket presale, and his top travel spots in the Spanish capital.

Event Breaks: Hello, Hendrik! The NFL off-season can feel long and exhausting for many die-hard fans. How do you spend your off-season?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "I don't really have an off-season, even if there are no NFL games right now. I’m still heavily involved with football; I follow the ELF (Sea Devils in Hamburg), among others, and of course, I keep a close eye on what my Miami Dolphins are up to so I can continue talking about them on my podcast, 'Fins up, Germany!' As a sports fan, I also follow the Women’s Euro, the Club World Cup, and other sporting highlights. But I’ve also managed to fit in a vacation."

Event Breaks: You are a Miami Dolphins Season Ticket Holder. How far in advance do you plan your trips to Florida, and how do you balance this passion with your job?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "Planning starts as soon as the schedule is released in mid-May. My passion for football is well-known to my employer by now and is accepted. I simply try to give my best at work, which allows me the freedom to enjoy my hobby."

NFL Miami Travel: Gameday Experience and Tailgating at Hard Rock Stadium

Event Breaks: Which home games will you attend during the 2025 season?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "I’ll be attending the first two home games. On September 14th against the Patriots, and on my birthday (September 29th) against the Jets. I’m also hoping to be there in Madrid against the Commanders."

Event Breaks: What does a typical gameday experience at Hard Rock Stadium look like for you?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "For me, there’s nothing better than a 1:00 PM Sunday game in sunny weather. I usually arrive at the stadium about three hours before kickoff because I love the tailgating. Happy people everywhere, music, and the smell of BBQ in the air—I love it! After a quick stop at the stadium shop, I head inside about an hour before kickoff. The highlight before the game is always the national anthem, which is guaranteed to give me goosebumps. After the game—which hopefully resulted in a win—I usually head to a sports bar for wings and to watch the remaining games."

Event Breaks: As a European, is it easy to get season tickets for the Dolphins, or did you have to do some "convincing" on-site?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "In principle, anyone can purchase season tickets. I put myself on the waiting list in 2022. However, the process was accelerated by a good acquaintance who also had tickets and some great contacts. I’ve been a Dolphins Season Ticket Holder since 2023."

NFL Madrid Ticket Presale: Tips from Dolphins Fan Hendrik

Event Breaks: Does your status as a Season Ticket Holder save you from the upcoming "queue battle" for NFL Madrid tickets?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "That would be nice (grins). In 2023, there was an exclusive presale for the game in Frankfurt (against the Chiefs). A similar presale was announced for the Madrid game, but I’m still waiting for information on that. Therefore, I’ll be trying my luck in the general sale."

Event Breaks: What tips can you give NFL fans trying to get Madrid tickets via Ticketmaster on Tuesday?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "I actually always tackle the 'ticket battle' with one device, usually my laptop. I think logging in twice with one account or constantly refreshing is counterproductive or too risky. Your chances are only slightly higher—given the 4-ticket rule—if you involve two or three friends. However, you should agree on the distribution beforehand so there are no disappointed faces at the end."

Event Breaks: As part of the NFL International Series, the Dolphins played in Germany in 2023. How do you rank the significance of the NFL Frankfurt game versus the Madrid game?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "The game against the Chiefs in Frankfurt was something very special, even though we lost. When else do you get to experience your favorite NFL team right here in Germany? But when I think of Madrid, I also get goosebumps. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium alone will make it a highlight. And the matchup against the Commanders, with their rising rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, promises to be a real treat."

Event Breaks: Due to the Latin American influence in fan culture, the Miami Dolphins already have the hearts of many Spaniards!

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "There are even direct flights from Spain to Miami, and Spanish is effectively the second language in Florida—so the Dolphins are a great fit. When I was recently on vacation in Mallorca and wore a Dolphins shirt at check-in, the receptionist immediately struck up a conversation about it. So, I can definitely imagine there’s a lot of community potential there."

NFL Madrid Travel Guide: From the Royal Palace to Plaza Major

Event Breaks: Have you heard of any planned community actions or events in Madrid yet?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "I’m currently connecting with several Spanish social media accounts to understand how they operate there. I definitely think there will be quite a few events organized."

Event Breaks: Aside from the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, what are your top 3 spots in the city that you’ll visit during your NFL Madrid trip?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "As a travel destination, Madrid is new territory for me. I’m planning the trip from Friday to Monday, and my hotel is quite central. Some spots will definitely be the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), the Plaza Major, and of course, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu—I hope I’ll definitely be able to admire it from the inside then (smiles)."

Event Breaks: If the Dolphins weren't playing in Europe: Which of the other NFL International Games would you most like to attend?

Hendrik Biederstaedt: "I can answer that even without the hypothetical: I’m definitely traveling to the NFL London Game at Wembley Stadium. LA Rams vs. Jaguars is certainly an attractive game if the stars on both sides are playing. And then there’s the NFL premiere in Berlin—that’s pretty much a must from a community perspective."

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