Visiting the inside of the San Mames Stadium is much more than just entering a sports stadium; it is immersing oneself in a reference of modern architecture that safeguards the echo of more than a century of passion. The current San Mames Stadium, opened in 2013, overcame the major challenge of inheriting the magnetism of the former stadium dating back to 1913 – the one that rose up alongside the San Mames asylum with barely 7,000 seats – to become an avant-garde mirror worldwide. Today, visiting the inside of the San Mames Stadium makes it easy to understand why it has won international awards, not only for its design, but also for the atmosphere that appeals to both loyal fans and the tourists looking for something authentic in Bilbao.
The avant-garde architecture of the Cathedral of Football
Entering the stadium when the stands are empty provides an impressive insight into its engineering. One of the best kept secrets of its design is the inclination and proximity of the seats to the pitch. It is a structure that has been designed to the millimetre to ensure that the sound does not escape, creating that “pressure cooker” effect that intimidates opponents and embraces the lions. The roof, which allows spring light to filter through, protects the spectators without closing off the sky, maintaining this connection with Bilbao’s climate. Furthermore, the building is an example ofsustainability, as it is the first European stadium to obtain LEED certification, thanks to systems that reuse rainwater and a façade of LED panels that transforms the urban landscape of the river estuary every night.
This modernity is joined by spaces designed for absolute enjoyment, from cafés and restaurants overlooking the pitch to the official store. It is a place where functionality meets excitement, ensuring that the spectator’s experience is both safe and comfortable. Each corner has been designed to guarantee perfect visibility, ensuring that no one misses a single detail of what is happening on the pitch, which boasts state-of-the-art technology to keep it impeccable throughout the season.
Secrets and interesting facts about the pitch and the changing rooms
There are details that only come to light when you explore the depths of the stadium. The walk along the players’ tunnel, for example, is a pounding journey; it is the same path taken by the players before coming out onto the pitch, feeling the pressure and the history with every step. One of the favourite interesting facts is the presence of the bust of “Pichichi”, Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, a legendary figure whose legacy lives on in the club’s protocol: every team visiting San Mames for the first time must lay a wreath at his bust as a sign of respect. This kind of tradition is what takes the stadium above and beyond any other modern stadium.
Inside the changing rooms, the atmosphere breathes concentration and respect for Athletic’s history. When visiting the inside of the San Mames Stadium, you will also have access to exclusive areas, such as the Presidential Box or the VIP Areas, from where you can enjoy a privileged panoramic view of the city. These spaces hide anecdotes of historic negotiations and illustrious visits that have marked the future of the club and the history of football itself.
An interactive experience in the heart of Bilbao
A visit to the stadium is a must, which is rounded off with a visit to the AC Museum. More than a thousand original pieces and audiovisual archives found there reveal the milestones that have turned this team into the soul of Bilbao. The combination of technology at the new stadium and the weight of the trophies and historic shirts creates a contrast that helps to understand the aura that surrounds the Lions. After discovering the secrets hidden in the stands and on the pitch, the guided tour becomes the best way of not missing out on any technical or historical detail of the stadium.
After the tour, head back out to the hustle and bustle of Calle Pozas or take a stroll along the river estuary for the perfect end to a day of total immersion. San Mames always keeps its doors open for those who want to discover its best kept secrets and understand why it is one of the most emblematic stadiums in Europe.
