San Mamés
Bilbao, Basque Country · Athletic Club
La Catedral, rebuilt on the same ground, and the most complete modern stadium in Spain.
The ground
The current San Mamés opened in 2013 on the site of its predecessor, which had stood since 1913 and was known as La Catedral, the cathedral of Spanish football. The rebuild was staged so Athletic never left the site. It is the only major Spanish ground designed to contemporary standards from the outset, which is why it needs the least work before 2030.
Things worth knowing
- The old San Mamés stood for a hundred years and was nicknamed La Catedral, the name transferred with the club.
- Built in phases around the live pitch so Athletic never had to play elsewhere.
- The facade is clad in translucent ETFE panels that light up in the club's colours.
- Requires the least remodelling of any provisional Spanish 2030 venue.
Guides & coverage
No guide for this ground yet. It is on the list, see the Stadium Guides series for the grounds we have covered so far.