Its hallmark is its Sunday roar, but the “Cathedral” has evolved to become one of the great venues for cultural, social and business events in Bilbao. San Mames does not rest when the ball stops rolling; on the contrary, its 53,000 seats and its state-of-the-art facilities can be transformed to host everything from international sporting events to the most eagerly awaited concerts of the year. Its multi-functional character means that the stadium breathes a different energy every week, showing that its architecture is not only designed for goals, but also to be the best possible venue for any major event in the city.
Spring comes to an end marked by rugby and music
This year’s calendar has two dates marked in red that highlight the stadium’s ability to adapt to any activity. In May, the grass will be ready for contact and strategy in the final of the EPCR 2026. It is not the first time that the rugby ball has taken over Bilbao, but hosting the elite of European rugby for a second time consolidates San Mames as a world-class venue, capable of offering a premium experience both in the stands and in the VIP areas. The atmosphere generated by these fans, marked by respect and coexistence, fits perfectly with the philosophy of a stadium that always welcomes those who come to enjoy sport with open arms.
Shortly afterwards, decibels will take over in June, with the eagerly awaited concert by Zetak in San Mames. The stadium’s acoustics, originally designed to amplify the fans’ chants, become the perfect ally for large musical productions. Watching Pello Reparaz and his electronic project in Basque on stage at the Cathedral will be one of those milestones that connect the tradition of the land with the cultural avant-garde. It is proof that the venue is a living space, capable of moving from the tension of a scrum to the euphoria of a music festival in a matter of weeks.
The ideal scenario for the business world
Beyond hosting mass events, the stadium has become a reference for corporate events in Bilbao. Its conference rooms, networking spaces and VIP boxes create an environment that combines professional sobriety with the prestige of an international icon. Companies have absolute flexibility to organise small meetings or large international summits in a building that is already a symbol of innovation. Furthermore, the possibility of combining these events with the culinary offer of establishments such as “La Campa de los Ingleses” or the haute cuisine service of the VIP Area, provides an added value that few venues in Europe can match.
To round off any day, no matter whether it is after a conference or before a concert, a visit to the AC Museum allows you to be immersed in the story of a century-old club. Not only is the museum home to trophies, but it also uses interactive technology so that each visitor can understand the importance of this crest in Basque culture, regardless of whether they are football fans or not. From the guided tours along the tunnel and the changing rooms to the official store that is full of exclusive merchandising, every corner of the building is designed to make the visit complete.
In short, San Mames is a stadium designed to create experiences and memories that form part of the cultural life of Bilbao, extending far beyond the ninety minutes of a match.
