There’s nothing like the roar of San Mamés. If you’ve decided it’s time to stop watching it on TV and want to feel the real lions’ energy live, you’ve come to the right place. But of course, buying tickets for Athletic isn’t always a piece of cake, especially for the most important matches.
To make sure you don’t miss out, we’ve put together this guide so you know how to buy tickets for Athletic Club de Bilbao easily, hassle-free and securing your place in La Catedral.
1. Types of tickets: where are you going to sit?
There are no bad seats at San Mamés, but the experience varies depending on the area:
- General admission tickets: these are the most common. The Main Stand is the jewel in the crown due to its visibility, while the North and South Stands are the driving force of the stadium; if you want to feel the passion of the popular stands and cheer non-stop, this is the place for you. The Side Stands offer the perfect balance between a good view and atmosphere.
- VIP experiences: if you are coming to Bilbao to treat yourself or want to celebrate something special, VIP tickets are in a world of their own. You have access to gourmet Basque cuisine and catering with preferential seating. Keep an eye out for options such as the SkyBox or The Lion Experience to really feel the excitement.
- Season tickets: if you want to get an annual season ticket at San Mamés, you will need to join the waiting list to become a member of Athletic Club. Those interested in becoming members of Athletic Club should communicate their intention at the San Mamés Member Services Office (next to the AC Museoa/Museum) or by clicking on this link. The other option, if you don’t want to wait, is the season ticket for the San Mames VIP Area , the alternative for enjoying football from the best seats in the stadium, with access to the gastronomic offerings of the entire VIP ring and other exclusive services.
2. Step by step: how to easily purchase tickets for Athletic Bilbao
The 100% digital process is the fastest and easiest if you follow these steps:
- Go to the official website: go directly to the ticket purchase section for matches.
- Choose your match: you will see the calendar. If it is a high-demand match, be patient: you may encounter a virtual queue. Don’t even think about refreshing the page or you will lose your place in line!
- Select your seat: you will see an interactive map. Prices usually range from €30 to €240 for general admission tickets, depending on the opponent and the area.
- Log in or register: to purchase your tickets, you only need to log in or register with the Athletic Club ecosystem. don’t worry, it’s completely free.
- Payment and confirmation: once you have paid, you will receive an email with your digital ticket. You don’t need to print it; just bring it on your mobile phone. By the way, if you are coming from abroad and want to avoid any hassle when you land, check out this guide on how to get from Bilbao airport to the city centre and San Mamés .
If you prefer to do it in person, go to the San Mamés ticket office: you can still buy tickets at the Athletic Club stadium ticket office. Just go to the San Mamés stadium and get your ticket. Click on this link for more information about the San Mamés ticket office opening hours.
3. Much more than 90 minutes: the Museum and the Tour
Going to the match and not visiting the museum is like leaving the job half done. The Athletic Club Museum is amazing, and there you’ll understand why we’re a family and not just a team. It’s undoubtedly one of those 12 low-cost plans for enjoying Bilbao that you can’t miss if you want to get to know the essence of the city.
- A Great plan: you can get the Museum + Audio Guide Tour to walk through the tunnel to the changing rooms and step out onto the pitch.
- If you prefer a personal explication: the Guided Tour is fantastic because of all the anecdotes you’ll hear.
- Maybe a Gift: looking for a gift idea for Athletic fans? There’s the Museum y Tour Gift Voucher .
4. Accessibility: San Mamés is for everyone
Athletic takes inclusion very seriously. If you need tickets for people with reduced mobility, the process is very thorough. You can request up to four tickets (for the ticket holder and companions) and there are specific areas with perfect visibility and barrier-free access. I recommend checking the accessibility details here to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
5. Gastronomy: the “third half”
Don’t leave the stadium on an empty stomach. San Mamés is a Gastronomic Cathedral.
- For something quick and lively: Geuria! Sports Bar or the Ambigús inside the stadium.
- For a good bite to eat: La Campa de los Ingleses.
- For a top-class meal: San Mames Jatetxea.
6. Final tips to make sure you don’t miss out:
Plan ahead: Tickets sell out fast. As soon as they go on sale (usually a couple of weeks before the match), head to the website. To make sure you don’t miss out on tickets for high-demand matches, the best option is to join Club Athletic, which gives you access to pre-sale tickets before they go on general sale. Enjoy other discounts on experiences such as the Tour and Museum, while supporting the projects of the Athletic Club Foundation.
Lezama: if you have time, stop by Lezama to watch the youth team train at the high-performance centre where the lions and lionesses of the future are developed. If you are already a member of Club Athletic, you can attend all the Women’s team and Bilbao Athletic matches for free.
Match day: arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere in Pozas and get in without any hassle.
That’s it! Now you know how to buy Athletic Bilbao tickets easily. All you have to do is grab your team scarf and warm up your voice. Aupa Athletic!
