"The cathedral"

Wow. I'm in awe of this place. I will admit to having a very big soft spot for Athletic so a little biased, but think it's impossible to come here and not be mightily impressed. The old ground was a special place but I think they've done a rare thing in football and replaced it with something even better. As with anywhere the fans and matchday atmosphere is what makes a stadium, but from outside and when you're inside too it just looks amazing,

As the teams came out it felt like the whole stadium raised their scarves and sang the club anthem - very special indeed. What seemed like every single fan in the lower tier behind the north goal sang throughout the game and they also applauded the team for a good five minutes after full time (surprised most of the rest of the stadium didn't stay for that).

It was easy enough to get tickets online when they went on general sale a week or so before, most games don't seem to sell out so you might be able to get a ticket on the day.

Even if you visit Bilbao and a game isn't on it's definitely worth doing a tour, I did a self guided one which I preferred as you can take your time and not worry you're holding everyone else up. There perhaps wasn't enough different stops for stadium views for me (would have liked one from the top tier/behind goal) but overall it's worth the €14 which includes the museum too.
There is also a restaurant (not always open) and bar at the stadium - the bar overlooks the pitch and I popped in but they didn't have any cider and seemed a posh rather than somewhere you could have a beer or coffee during the day. The club shop is probably what you'd expect for a La Liga club of that size.

Location

Practically where the old San Mamés was, in the city centre and easy to access by metro or bus/tram. Close to loads of bars too and when I went they had a load of stalls outside the front of the stadium before the game

View

Fantastic view. Don't think there's a bad seat, I avoided getting the cheap €30 tickets in the top tier behind goal but I think even sitting there you'd still have a great view and feel part of the atmosphere

Police & Stewards

Don't think I saw any stewards (which is typical for Spanish football but annoying if you do need help finding your seat)

Atmosphere

Incredible atmosphere

Write your own review of Nuevo San Mames

Have you been to Nuevo San Mames? Write a review!