WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Commanders played their Week 11 game of the 2025 NFL season at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a venue that uses a sub-pitch greenhouse and a specialized LED lighting system to maintain its natural grass surface. The stadium, owned by Real Madrid FC, was recently converted from a football-specific ground into a multipurpose events venue.

The renovation upgraded all facilities and added a retractable roof, with the main aim of increasing spectator comfort and capacity. The venue was designed to host non-sporting events, and the architect and event planners tasked with maximizing use of the venue were given free rein and did not have to factor turf health or surface protection into their designs.

The high stands that completely encircle the field disrupt airflow to the turf and deprive it of sunlight. The stadium bowl is also used for events other than football, including events that run over multiple days. To accommodate these uses, the grass is kept in a greenhouse at times when the stadium bowl hosts other events.

A 30-metre-deep greenhouse beneath the pitch has been fitted with technology to provide the turf with the conditions it needs to grow. The key technology inside the greenhouse is RHENAC Sports CLS LED grass grow lights, which replicate the complete light spectrum.

Red light from the CLS LED system promotes grass seed germination and increases biomass. Blue light increases sward density, enhances root growth, limits grass growth length and reduces susceptibility to diseases. The light settings can be adjusted to maintain grass health without stimulating vertical growth.

The LED units allow the pitch to remain in the greenhouse for as long as needed while the stadium bowl hosts non-sporting events with mass spectators. The system reduces the need for additional equipment or grass-trimming activities, contributing to cost savings. Reducing trimming prevents grass damage and lowers the risk of fungal infections and diseases.

Washington's football team did not have ideal field conditions for many seasons at its home venue in Landover. Many other NFL stadiums use artificial playing surfaces.