A second elite soccer stadium in Europe is about to be transformed into a golf course – and it doesn’t get any better than this…
The temporary transition of soccer stadiums into entertainment venues grows ever more popular as clubs look to increase revenue streams, but few could have guessed there would be a place for golf as part of this diversification.
For the first time this summer, the ancient game will be played at a Premier League stadium, with Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium being taken over by Upper Deck Golf during Open week next month.
Fittingly, it is just a few miles away from where golf’s oldest major is being staged at Royal Birkdale, with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in the same weekend.
It is part of a project that has seen Upper Deck Golf already visit iconic American venues such as Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, and Dodger Stadium. But for fans of soccer and golf, the company’s latest announcement might be the most exciting yet.
The Santiago Bernabeu, the home of the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid, is the latest venue that will soon get the golf course treatment.
An interactive golf experience will run at the iconic Bernabeu from 7am to 9pm each day from September 24-27, with bookings available in two-player slots for those looking for a completely unique day out in the Spanish capital.
Tee boxes will be positioned high in the sprawling stands, with players hitting approach shots down towards custom-built greens on the pitch. It’s essentially target golf – but with a backdrop like no other.
“We are incredibly proud to announce Spain as the next stop on our global expansion, kicking off at the historic Bernabeu,” Marc Bender and Adam Wachter, Upper Deck’s managing partners, said in a joint statement.
“The energy of Spanish sports fans is unmatched, making this the perfect backdrop for our first event in the country.
“Together with this world-class venue, we’re ready to welcome fans inside the stadium for a one-of-a-kind, interactive golf experience they will never forget.”
You can register interest for the Bernabeu experience at Real Madrid on the Upper Deck website.