San Mamés stadium history
The name San Mamés comes from a nearby Asylum that once owned the land on which was built. Sam Maés players are known as the lions of San Mamés. San Mamés was a Christian martyr that was fed to lions, from there the “lions of San Mamés”. The stadium itself was known locally as “The Cathedral” because of local expresión that says: “Where are you going San Mames? To church? And the reply: No, to the Cathedral”. The old San mamés was demolished in 2013.
In 2014, the new San Mamés was selected as one of the host stadiums for the 2020 Eurocup. But, because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament has been postponed until July of 2021.
In November of 2015, during the World Architecture Festival in Singapur, San Mamés was awarded “best athletic building”
Construction began in May of 2010 and ended in September 2013 when Athletic Club faced Celta de Vigo in a league game in which Athletic beat Celta 3-2. The first team to beat Athletic in San Mamés was ironically Athletico of Madrid, 2-1.
Where is Athletic Bilbao stadium
The stadium is located in the heart of the city of Bilbao,