Barrio de San Mamés
A historic Basque club with a rich European legacy.
Barrio de San Mamés is a neighborhood in Bilbao, home to Athletic Bilbao's former stadium. The club's history includes European competitions since 1956, with notable runs in the UEFA Cup and Europa League.
- Location
- Bilbao, Basque Country
- Nickname
- La Catedral
- Original Opening
- August 28, 1913
- Home Team
- Athletic Club
- Status
- Historic Home Ground
Lore & Background
Athletic Bilbao's first European match was in the 1956 Latin Cup, a non-UEFA tournament, where they finished runners-up to A.C. Milan. Their first European Cup match came in the 1956–57 season, but they were eliminated by FC Porto in the preliminary round. The club reached the 1977 UEFA Cup final and the 2012 UEFA Europa League final, losing both.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the terraces of the old San Mamés on a cold Tuesday evening in the late nineties. The floodlights hummed against the grey sky, casting long shadows across the worn grass pitch. Inside the tunnel, the captain tightened his red and white strip, listening to the muffled roar rising from the stands above. It was not just noise; it was a chant that had started decades ago, vibrating through the concrete walls.
Reader's Guide
The original San Mamés stadium opened on August 28, 1913. The club was known as Atlético de Bilbao from 1941 to 1975. Athletic have yet to win a continental trophy in 33 attempts up to the 2024–25 season.
Did You Know?
- Athletic's first European competition was the non-UEFA Latin Cup in 1956, where they finished runners-up to A.C. Milan.
- The club's heaviest European defeat was 6–0 against Barcelona in the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League group stage.
- Striker Aritz Aduriz scored 34 European goals for Athletic from 2012 to 2018, winning the Europa League top scorer award once (2015–16).
- Iker Muniain holds the record for most European appearances for Athletic, surpassing Óscar de Marcos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Barrio de San Mamés?
Barrio de San Mamés refers to the historic neighborhood and stadium in Bilbao, affectionately known as 'La Catedral,' which served as Athletic Club's home from 1913 until 2013. It represents the spiritual heart of Basque football where nearly a century of club history was forged.
Why is this location so important to fans?
For supporters, Barrio de San Mamés symbolizes deep identity and pride rather than just a physical venue. The transition from the old stadium to the new one nearby was driven by the desire to keep the club's soul alive within Bilbao while honoring its legacy.
When did the original stadium open and close?
The first match at San Mamés took place on August 28, 1913, marking the start of its era as Athletic Club's home. It officially closed its doors in May 2013 to make way for a modern replacement that carries the same prestigious name.
What nickname is associated with this stadium?
Universally known as 'La Catedral,' or The Cathedral, the ground earned this title due to its immense status as the spiritual center of both the club and the city. This moniker reflects the reverence fans hold for the place where red and white dreams were built.
Where is Barrio de San Mamés located?
This historic site is situated in Bilbao, within the Basque Country of Spain. It remains a central landmark for the community, even after the construction of the new stadium nearby to continue Athletic Club's tradition.
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