Football
Here we are, facing one of the most stunning football stadiums in the world, a place that has seen over a thousand matches throughout its history. Back in the early 20th century, the San Mamés stadium was the stage for many important Spanish football games. Nowadays, a new stadium with the same name stands in its place, continuing the legacy of this iconic venue.
That said, this football field deserves an in-depth review, which you will discover in the following lines.
Table of Contents:
What Is the San Mamés Stadium?
The San Mamés Stadium, also known as The Cathedral of Football or El Estadio San Mamés Barria in Spanish, is a football stadium in Bilbao (Bizkaia), Basque Country. It is the home of Athletic Club, or Athletic Bilbao CD, one of the most renowned teams in Spain with more than one hundred and twenty years of history.
The San Mamés Stadium is a level 4 stadium, which is the highest classification a stadium can receive from UEFA. Thus, this venue can host Euro Cup and Europa League matches but cannot host UEFA Champions League matches. This is because UEFA Champions League stadiums must have a capacity of 60,000 or more.
If you want to read more about UEFA Champions League regulations and requirements, here is the official document of the UEFA.
San Mamés Stadium Location
The San Mamés Stadium is located west of the city centre, at a distance of 1 km. This way, the San Mamés arena is easily reachable from most parts of the cities. It overlooks the Nervión River, and stands as an important landmark in the landscape of the city.
Address: Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi Kalea s/n, 48013, Basurto-Zorroza, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain.
Telephone: +34 944 24 08 77
Google Plus Code: 7372+M7 Bilbao, Spain
Website: https://sanmames.athletic-club.eus/
How to Get the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao
Since San Mamés is close to the most important points of interest in Bilbao, you can easily get there if you stay in the central area. This way, you will have to walk a kilometer and a little more. If you want to get to the stadium by car, you must take the Autopista del Cantábrico or A-8 and exit C. Bentazarra.
The History of the San Mamés Stadium
The current San Mamés Stadium was rebuilt and inaugurated in 2013 because the old San Mamés did not meet the requirements of LALIGA and international standards. The new stadium arose to solve all the problems and build a world-class complex for the best football matches, especially those played between Athletic Club and Real Madrid.
In 2004, Bilbao City Council began planning to replace the old stadium. Because the new project was in practically the same location, construction was planned in two phases to avoid displacement of the club during home games.
The inauguration of the original San Mamés took place in 1913. One hundred years later, and after thousands of important clashes on the pitch, a new San Mamés had to see the light. The club demolished the old stadium in stages.
Despite not being finished (in 2013, it was three-quarters finished), Athletic Club moved to the new stadium. This way, the inauguration of the new San Mamés was on September 16, 2013, against R. C. Celta de Vigo. This match had an attendance of 36,000 people.
San Mamés Stadium Architecture
The San Mamés Stadium’s clear and pristine facade offers passersby a glimpse into the activities within its external structure. This unique design not only connects the stadium with its surroundings but also serves as a significant landmark for the city, creating a distinct space that harmonizes with its environment.
Another aspect that differentiates San Mamés from other stadiums is that the playing field is 7.8 meters below ground level. This way, the architects managed to reduce the structure’s height. In addition, fans, followers, and spectators in the general public have better and easier access to all areas of the stadium. The architects also respected the minimum legal distance between the stands and the football field.
But San Mamés also stands out for the lighting on its façade, which integrates a dynamic LED system and ETFE plastic panels that can change color. In this way, the facade’s color changes depending on the venues and games.
San Mamés was also the first stadium in Europe to obtain LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, a sustainable building certification for structures with sustainability values. The roof integrates solar panels that convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy, which the stadium uses to illuminate the facade and other important sections of the building.
San Mamés Stadium Facilities
San Mamés is a world-class stadium. As such, it includes all the amenities and services necessary to maintain a high level of service. Inside the stadium, you can find the following areas and facilities.
- Capacity: 53,331 spectators
- Pitch size: 105 x 68 meters.
- Four locker rooms (240 m2)
- Forty office boxes (50 m2)
- Forty-eight VIP boxes
- External LED display
Restaurants
The San Mamés Stadium boasts four restaurants, each of which showcases the culinary excellence of the region. Undoubtedly, these dining establishments offer the finest gourmet experience in Bizkaia. Here are the four restaurants:
- San Mames Jatetxea. Thanks to its owner, chef Fernando Canales, this restaurant offers a gourmet experience of the highest quality that combines tradition and new culinary trends.
- La Campa de los Ingleses. This magnificent restaurant pays tribute to the British who introduced football to Bilbao in the 19th century. It has a magnificent view of the countryside and multiple snacks and pintxos.
- Geuria! It is a sports bar that truly combines leisure with the sporting experience. Here, you can watch sports on giant screens and enjoy concerts, DJ sets, and more.
- Ambigús: Poza bars. This tavern is the right place to share a pre-match drink and enjoy the welcome of fans of both sides.
AC Museoa
This museum allows you to experience the stadium’s more than one hundred years of history. Thanks to the permanent exhibition, you will be able to understand the philosophy and values of the Athletic, one of the most important clubs in Spain, and learn about the most important matches that Athletic played in the past. The museum also has one of the largest collections of original club items, with more than 1,000 items. The museum is between doors 19 and 20.
Official Store of the Club
The San Mamés VIP area has two points where you can buy all kinds of club items. Each site has classic merchandise such as shirts, balls, jerseys, shoes, and club collectibles. All members and fans can purchase unique products and keep the club’s memories and fans intact.
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