How to get tickets for Athletic Bilbao Football Team

How to get tickets for Athletic Bilbao Football Team

Football is not just a sport; it’s a passion, a tradition, and for many, a way of life. Among the most iconic clubs in the world, Athletic Bilbao stands out for its rich history, successes, and unique atmosphere. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, discovering Athletic Bilbao and attending a match at San Mamés is an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive together into the world of the Lions of Bilbao.

History and Background

  • Foundation: Athletic Club, commonly known as Athletic Bilbao or simply Athletic, was founded in 1898.


  • Location: The club is based in Bilbao, in the Basque region of Spain, and plays its home matches at San Mamés stadium.


  • Colours and Nickname: Athletic Bilbao’s traditional colours are red and white. The team is nicknamed "Los Leones" (the Lions) due to their bravery and fighting spirit on the field.

Introduction to Athletic Bilbao’s Stadium: San Mamés

History and background

  • Opening: The new San Mamés stadium was inaugurated in 2013, replacing the old historic stadium of the same name that had been the club’s home since 1913.


  • Location: Located in Bilbao, San Mamés is a landmark of Spanish football with a rich history and modern architecture.


  • Construction Context: The stadium was built to provide a modern and comfortable infrastructure for supporters and the team, while maintaining the spirit and tradition of the old San Mamés.

Stadium features

  • Capacity: The stadium can accommodate around 53,289 spectators.


  • Architecture and Design: San Mamés is known for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere, offering a unique experience for spectators.

Facilities and amenities

  • Playing Fields: The pitch is maintained at a professional level to ensure a high-quality playing surface throughout the year.


  • VIP Boxes and Spaces: The stadium boasts numerous luxury boxes, hospitality suites, and premium seating areas for privileged spectators.


  • Museum and Megastore: The stadium houses a museum that traces the club’s history and an official shop, the Athletic Bilbao Megastore, offering club merchandise and souvenirs.

Fan Experience: Attending a La Liga match at San Mamés

Preparation and arrival

  • Ticketing and Access: Tickets can be purchased online via Athletic Bilbao’s official website, often several weeks in advance for popular matches. Members and season ticket holders often have priority access to tickets.


  • Transport: On match day, supporters can reach the stadium using public transport, mainly the metro (San Mamés station) or buses. Parking is also available nearby.

Before the match

  • Atmosphere and Ambience: Upon arriving around the stadium, supporters are immersed in a vibrant atmosphere with food stalls, souvenir vendors, and street activities. The fans’ chants and the red and white colours of Athletic Bilbao create a unique ambiance.


  • Museum Visit and Megastore: Fans can visit the club’s museum to learn more about Athletic Bilbao’s history. The official shop, the Athletic Bilbao Megastore, offers a wide range of merchandise, from jerseys to scarves and souvenirs.

Digital engagement and souvenirs

  • Mobile App: Athletic Bilbao offers a mobile app allowing supporters to follow live stats, rewatch key moments, and access exclusive content.


  • Souvenirs and Photos: Fans can purchase match souvenirs and take photos at various iconic spots around the stadium to capture their visit.

Getting there

  • By Car: Parking is available around the stadium for those who prefer to drive, although public transport is recommended on match days due to traffic.


  • Public Transport: The stadium is well-served by public transport. The nearest metro station is San Mamés, just a short walk from the stadium.
  • Bus: Bilbao’s bus services (Bilbobus) and Bizkaia’s buses (Bizkaibus) have lines stopping near San Mamés (28, A3411, A3414, and A3915).


  • Tram: The tram has a stop at San Mamés, with frequent services and a short journey time.


  • Metro: Bilbao’s metro is also an option for getting to San Mamés. It’s convenient, fast, and pleasant.

Key dates and matches for the 2024-2025 La Liga season

For the 2024-2025 La Liga season :

  • First Match: Athletic Bilbao begins their first home match against Getafe on 15 August 2024.


  • Last Match: Their last home match of the season is against FC Barcelona on 25 May 2025.


  • El Derbi Vasco: The match against Real Sociedad will be played at home on 24 November 2024.

Derby and big matches

These matches promise moments of pure intensity and spectacle. Don’t miss the chance to see your favourite stars in action!

Key Information

Food and drinks

The stadium hosts a trendy new bar and restaurant called La Campa de Los Ingleses. You can order traditional "pintxos" and a wide selection of homemade dishes. Most supporters head to local bars and restaurants for a drink before the match.

How to get tickets for Athletic Bilbao matches

1) Official Club websites

  • Athletic Bilbao sells tickets directly on its website. This is the most reliable and secure way to get seats. Athletic Bilbao Official Tickets

2) Ticketing platforms

  • Ticketmaster Spain: One of the largest ticketing platforms, offering a wide range of tickets for Athletic Bilbao matches.


  • Viagogo : Although it’s a resale platform, it also offers direct tickets for some matches.


  • StubHub : Another popular resale platform with a security guarantee for tickets.

3) Process

  • Search for your desired match on these sites.
    • Select your tickets.
    • Follow the instructions to complete the purchase.

4) Season Tickets

  • Description: For devoted fans, purchasing a season ticket for the entire season can be a cost-effective option, allowing attendance at all of Athletic Bilbao’s home matches.


  • Benefits :
    • Savings on the total ticket price.
    • Guaranteed access to matches.
    • Exclusive benefits for season ticket holders.

4) VIP and Hospitality Packages

  • Description : For a premium match experience, VIP packages including premium seats, access to private lounges, and exclusive services are available.


  • Where to Find Them :
    • These packages are often available on Athletic Bilbao’s official website.
    • Through agencies specialising in sports hospitality.

How to resell tickets for Athletic Bilbao matches

1) Official resale platforms

  • StubHub: One of the largest resale platforms with a user-friendly interface and a large audience.


  • Ticketmaster Resale : Resale service offered directly by Ticketmaster, ensuring the security and authenticity of tickets.


  • Viagogo: Although criticised by some for high fees, Viagogo remains a popular option for ticket resale.

2) Resale process on platforms

  • Creating an Account: Sign up on your chosen platform.


  • Listing Tickets for Sale: Select the match, add your ticket details (section, row, seat number), and set a sale price.


  • Transaction Security: Most of these platforms offer a money-back guarantee and ensure transactions are secure, protecting both buyers and sellers.

Tips for buying and reselling tickets

  • Buy Early : Tickets for popular matches sell out quickly. Purchase as early as possible to secure your place.


  • Competitive Pricing : If reselling tickets, set a competitive price to attract buyers quickly.


  • Check Policies : Make sure you understand the resale policies of each platform to avoid penalties or sales cancellations.


  • Security : Use secure platforms to avoid fraud and scams.

Conclusion

Attending an Athletic Bilbao match at San Mamés is more than just a sporting event; it’s a total immersion in the history, passion, and excitement of top-level football. The vibrant atmosphere, the supporters’ chants, and the spectacle on the pitch make every match a unique experience. Whether you’re a dedicated supporter or just curious, experiencing a match at San Mamés is an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets now and join the Lions for a moment of pure footballing emotion.

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