Stadium Information
San Mamés, home of Athletic Club, is one of the most distinctive and respected stadiums in Spain. Often referred to as “La Catedral”, the venue combines more than a century of football heritage with a fully modern design. The current stadium opened in 2013 next to the site of the original ground, which dated back to 1913. Its capacity of approximately fifty-three thousand is arranged in a steep, continuous bowl that enhances both visibility and acoustics. The exterior is wrapped in an illuminated façade of diamond-shaped panels that glow at night, giving the stadium a striking presence along the Bilbao riverfront.
Inside, the hybrid grass pitch is maintained to the highest standards and sits close to the stands, preserving the intimate feel that defined the old ground. Matchdays at San Mamés highlight the strong cultural identity of both the club and the Basque region. Supporters arrive from across Bilbao, filling the bars and streets surrounding the stadium well before kickoff. The bowl’s steep gradient creates one of the most powerful atmospheres in Spanish football, especially during major league fixtures or matches against historic rivals.
Concourses are wide and modern, offering a range of food and drink options along with open spaces where supporters gather during halftime or before the match begins. Accessibility is a key feature of the redesigned stadium. Step-free routes, dedicated wheelchair sections, lifts serving all levels, and adapted toilets ensure that visitors with mobility needs can navigate the venue easily.
Transport connections are excellent, with several metro and tram stops located close by, making travel from the city centre fast and straightforward. The surrounding district offers restaurants, public squares, and cultural venues, giving supporters plenty of options before and after matches.
San Mamés remains a symbol of Athletic Club’s tradition, community spirit, and commitment to modern football.
