San Mamés

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Planning for the new arena began as early as 2004, with initial contracts signed in late 2006 following approval in March of that year. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on 26 May 2010 at 12:00, attended by key figures including Lehendakari Patxi López, Bilbao Mayor Iñaki Azkuna, and Athletic President Fernando García Macua. In a symbolic moment, famous players like Iribar, Larrazábal, Iturraspe, and Muniain formed a human chain to carry turf and a brick from the old facade to the new site. Construction proceeded uniquely: three-quarters of the stadium were built first so matches could resume there while the rest of the structure was completed around it. The project faced scrutiny over public funding usage, but in late 2013, Joaquín Almunia confirmed no impropriety case would be pursued. Later, due to fan complaints about rain protection, roof extensions costing €12.6 million were added by 20 November 2016, increasing weather effectiveness by 70% and earning an international engineering award in 2017.

In Their Own Story

The new era began on 16 September 2013, exactly 102 days after the final game at the old stadium. Although partially completed with a capacity of just 35,686, the first match saw Athletic Club defeat Celta Vigo 3–2 before a crowd of 33,000. Celta's Charles scored the historic first goal, followed shortly by Mikel San José for the hosts. Prior to kickoff, captains and President Josu Urrutia participated in a traditional Aurresku dance presentation. Notably, the season's actual opening fixture had been played at Anoeta due to the new stadium not being ready, but this September match marked the official birth of the arena. Full capacity was reached on 27 August 2014 during a Champions League playoff against Napoli, where 49,017 fans witnessed a 3–1 victory. The stadium has since hosted diverse events, from the 2018 European Rugby finals (setting an attendance record of 52,282) to a women's football match in 2019 that set a Spanish record with 48,121 spectators.

Reader's Guide

Visitors arrive via Pozas street, which runs from the city heart and is lined with Athletic-themed bars. A giant external video screen (15.5m x 9.8m) dominates the facade, visible from this route. The exterior lighting system can flash graphics like the Champions League star-ball or solid colors, similar to Munich's Allianz Arena. Inside, tradition continues at the players' tunnel entrance where visiting captains leave flowers at a bust of Pichichi, replacing the spot near the old directors' box. Fans should note the museum opened in August 2017, featuring a stuffed lion won in a bet against Alavés in 1984. The north stand features safe standing rail seats expanded into a 'singing section' across the lower tier by 2022. Outside, the 125th anniversary celebrations in 2023 unveiled the exact goal line placement of the old pitch and a statue of appearance record holder José Ángel Iribar. The stadium sits closer to the Nervión river than its predecessor, offering elevated views.

Did You Know?

• The stadium's roof extension was funded solely by the club at a cost of €12.6 million to better protect fans from rain.
• A stuffed lion, won by Athletic directors from the president of Alavés in 1984 after losing a bet about repeating their La Liga title, is displayed in the museum.
• The first ever goal at the new stadium was scored by Celta Vigo's Charles, not an Athletic player.
• In 2017, the stadium narrowly missed hosting the Copa del Rey final because a Guns N' Roses concert was scheduled just three days later.