San Mames, epicenter of international sport: breaking records, finals and World Cup 2030
San Mamés closed the 2024/25 season by breaking records. The stadium, designed by IDOM, registered a total attendance of 1,308,402 spectators for the men’s first team’s 27 matches, averaging 48,459 people per-match and achieving a 91% occupancy rate, the highest since its inauguration. Additionally, over 884,000 people attended non-sporting events, establishing San Mamés as a multifunctional and dynamic venue.
Preparations for the 2030 World Cup
In May, an official FIFA delegation visited San Mamés, accompanied by representatives of the Spanish, Portuguese, and Moroccan federations, as part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup. The technical inspection reaffirmed the stadium’s suitability as a World Cup venue, highlighting its infrastructure, accessibility, and experience hosting international events.
European rugby and Champions League: the elite are back in 2026
San Mamés will once again host the European rugby finals:
- EPCR Challenge Cup – Friday, May 22, 2026
- Investec Champions Cup – Saturday, May 23, 2026
After the success of 2018, Bilbao will once again host the best clubs on the continent in an event that unites sport, city and architecture.
Thanks to Athletic Club’s results in the 2024-25 season, the upcoming season will bring the top European club soccer competition back to San Mamés.
The stadium will once again vibrate with the excitement of Athletic Club’s home games as they compete against the best teams in Europe.
UEFA Europa League 2025 Final
On May 21, the San Mamés stadium hosted the 2025 UEFA Europa League final. Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0, winning their first European title since 1984. With 49,224 in attendance, San Mamés once again proved its ability to host top-level events with organizational excellence and an unrivaled atmosphere.
A stadium that combines tradition, modernity, and adaptability
The choice of San Mamés as the venue for this final was no coincidence. Since its inauguration in 2013, the stadium has set the standard in terms of design, sustainability, and spectator experience. Designed by IDOM, San Mamés has won international awards, such as the World Architecture Festival Award. It has proven to be a versatile venue, ready to host top-level events.
Throughout its short but intense history, the new San Mamés has hosted the Athletic Club’s home matches in domestic and international competitions, such as the UEFA Europa League and Champions League. It has also hosted international events, including the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League final. It is not only a soccer benchmark; it has also hosted European rugby competition finals in 2018 and will do so again in 2026.
Bilbao and San Mamés are consolidating their position as a global destination for sporting events with the confirmation that they will be one of the venues for the 2030 World Cup, which will be held jointly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The stadium’s architecture and functionality highlight its ability to combine tradition, modernity, and adaptability.
July 29, 2025
