Estadio San Mamés

Estadio San Mamés replaced Athlétic's former ground with the same name, which had served the club for almost 100 years, but did not offer the facilities of contemporary-day stadiums.

First plans for the Building work on a new arena were made as early as 2004, and first contracts were signed by the end of 2006. Athletic presented the definite plans for the ground in 2009, and building works started late 2010.

The new Estadio San Mames was formally inaugurated on 16 September 2013 with a league match between Athlétic and Celta de Vigo (3-2).

At that moment, only three-quarters of the ground had been completed as one end had been left open to allow Athletic to keep playing their home matches at the old San Mamés while the new arena was constructed. Works continued on the remaining end throughout the 2013-14 season, and were completed before the start of the 2014-15 season.

Estadio San Mames was part of the initial selection of playing venues for the Euro 2020 Championships, but lost its spot to Seville's Estadio La Cartuja due to strict restrictions in Basque Country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Estadio San Mamés stands on the edge of Bilbao's downtown area, which means that visitors will find a good amount of cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area. Further nightlife can be found further east in the historic centre (Casco Viejo) and around the railway stations.

There are various hotels near Estadio San Mamés. Hotel Hesperia Zubialde, Hotel San Mames, Hotel Abba Parque, and NH Villa de Bilbao all get good reviews and are at just a few minutes on footing from the ground.

Use the linked guides To browse hotels near San Mames, and here for options closer to the historic centre.

Admission for Athletic Club matches are sold online, or at the ticket windows of San Mames from two days before the match (in the morning and evening hours).

Tickets are also available at the ticket windows of San Mamés from two hours before the start of the match. Athletic's attendances have shot up since their move to a new arena, although Admission for most matches will be available on the day. Visitors are advised to book in advance though for the Madrid and Barcelona games as well as local derbies.

Ticket prices can depend on the opponent, but usually range from €30.00 for a seat behind the goal to €110.00 for the best seats at one of the sides.