miércoles, mayo 14, 2025

San Mames is always the cathedral of Spanish football

Last update 18 February, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

San Mames, The original stadium, popularly known as “Cathedral” of football, He witnessed almost a century of history and passion at the Athletic Club in Bilbao.

This emblematic stadium, full of traditions and emotions, The doors definitely closed the 5 June 2013, Marking the end of an era that had captivated generations of fans and turning the old ‘cathedral’ in one of Spanish stadiums already missing.

Hoy, We remember with nostalgia and admiration each of its historical moments, From the last official goal in First to the traditions that are still maintained in the New San Mamés.

The last day at old San Mamés

The closure of the old cathedral was an event that generated a mixture of feelings in Athletic's followers. The last official goal played in the First Division in this mythical enclosure was the work of Juanlu, who scored in the victory of Levante in an unforgettable match.

últimos goleadores de estadios míticos de España
Juanlu scored the last goal in first in the old San Mames. PHOTO: Brand

Shortly after, In a clash that faced the subsidiaries of both teams in promoting promotion to second, Roger Martí, Lift striker B, He was in charge of marking the last official goal in that context.

Although not official, Another memorable goal was Alain Arroyo, Athletic partner and Mirandés player, who opened the scoring in the friendly farewell that faced the Basque team. Besides, Fernando Llorente had the distinction of being the last Athletic player to score in San Mamés before his closure.

The beginnings and evolution of San Mamés

inaugurated 21 of August of 1913 on land belonging to a homonymous asylum, Old San Mamés was built with a cost of 89.000 pesetas. In his early years, The stadium had a modest capacity of 3.500 spectators, figure that was growing over the decades. Over time, progressively expanded until almost reaching 50.000 seating. In 1997, In a modernization process, security fences were eliminated and reduced 10.000 standing locations, leaving a final capacity close to 40.000 spectators.

The first game held in this mythical stadium was between Athletic Club and Real Unión de Irún, And the first goal that was scored on the grass was the work of the historic Pichichi. Over time, A tradition was established in which visiting teams, In his first game in the old cathedral, They paid tribute to the bust of Pichichi, depositing a bouquet of flowers in respect. This custom, that linked players and fans, reflected the deep connection of the club with its history and identity.

Athletic philosophy and permanence in first

El Athletic Club, Together with Barcelona and Real Madrid, It is one of the few clubs that have played all the editions of the First Division, without ever descending. This permanence in the highest category is a testimony of the spirit and the dedication of “Lions”, And San Mamés was the scenario where innumerable football gestas were forged that defined the essence of the club. For almost 100 years, The stadium was home to intense emotions, of memorable victories and, of course, of the unmatched atmosphere created by its audience.

THE NEW SAN MAMÉS: A jump to the future

With the closure of old San Mamés in 2013, an era ended, But not the dream. instead, He was erected Nuevo San Mamés, a modern and functional stage that has inherited the spirit and tradition of the previous. inaugurated 16 September 2013, This enclosure offers latest generation facilities, combining the tradition of Athletic Club with the needs of contemporary football.

Nuevo San Mamés
The new San Mamés is a piece of modern stadium. PHOTO: ID 50135569 | San Mames ©
Jose Maria Luis Marquez | Dreamstime.com

The new stadium not only seeks to preserve the history of the club, but also to offer a unique experience to fans. With modern accesses, VIP areas, and an infrastructure that allows better visibility in each party, The new San Mamés has positioned itself as one of the most emblematic stages in Europe. Besides, The “White Horse Bridge” In memory of the famous Billie horse, whose image was associated with the old stadium thanks to the confusion of black and white images.

San Mamés has been much more than a simple stadium. Its impact has transcended football borders, becoming a symbol of cultural identity and a meeting point for thousands of fans. Each match played in its stands was a ritual that linked generations, and the stories and traditions that emerged in this enclosure have influenced the way football in Spain and the world is lived.

The closure of old San Mamés marked the end of a golden chapter in the history of Spanish football, But he also opened the door to new ways to enjoy the sport. Hoy, The new San Mamés remains the heart of Athletic Club, a place where unforgettable moments that are remembered and celebrated by all are still being created.

The influence of San Mamés on the identity of Athletic Club

Athletic Club has always been synonymous with tradition and pride, And San Mamés has been the perfect scenario to capture those values. Every corner of the stadium, From his old stands to the imposing arch, It tells stories of passion and delivery. Fans continue to honor traditions, either through the tribute to Pichichi or remembering iconic moments that were lived in each party.

Athletic's fans are known for his good taste and his ability to enjoy football in its purest state. Visitors who play for the first time in the old cathedral used to pay tribute to the bust of Pichichi, A sample of respect that linked players and followers in a football and tradition ritual. This sense of belonging and the emotional connection with the stadium make San Mamés, both the old and the new, be living monuments of Athletic's history.

The best images of old San Mamés:

El 31 de de mayo de 1967 jugó España el segundo de sus dos partidos oficiales disputados en San Mamés.
He 31 May of 1967 Spain played the second of its two official matches played in San Mamés.
La Catedral desprendía aroma a fútbol por los cuatro costados.
Cathedral gave off the scent football on all four sides.
El arco de San Mamés, un rasgo característico de la vieja Catedral.
San Mames bow, a feature of the old cathedral.
Equipo y afición siempre uno en San Mamés.
Always one team and fans in San Mamés.

Hot this week

Players who went to stars and ended estrellados

The history of football is full of players that ...

The best Mexican soccer players in history

Let's try to review who the best players are....

Esquerdinha's time at Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza fans will surely remember the ...

Indoor stadiums in the world of football: fields with sunroofs

How many covered stadiums are there in the world? Traditionally, he...

Antonio Cassano, one of the worst signings in the history of Real Madrid

Antonio Cassano is known as one of the players ...

Players and coaches with more declines, jinxes of the Spanish League

Who are the coaches or players with the most relegations?,...

The best central defenders in the history of Valencia

Who are the best centrals in the history of ...

Soccer players who played at Inter Milan and maybe you don't remember

We are going to remember some players who played at ...

Mbappé and fall: His mother breaks silence before the Normando Club crisis

Fayza Lamari defends his son's investment and ...

Real Madrid problems and what Ancelotti can do to solve them

Real Madrid is, definitely, one of the ...

The best left side of the history of Valencia

Who are the best left sides in history ...

Los 20 Players born in the 21st century with more professional matches

In the changing and vertiginous world of football, the...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

Munich Olympic, a stadium with many stories

Few stadiums have to talk so much in just 33 years of life which gave the Olympic Munich. Known as the....

El Wankdorfstadion: One of the great historical temples of football

El Wankdorfstadion: One of the most emblematic stadiums of its time For many young football fans, the Wankdorfstadion may not say anything..
error: Content is protected !!