Real Sociedad - The Anoeta - Capacity: 32,000 All Seater
The Stadium – The Anoeta Paseo de Aneota, San Sebastian
The new Anoeta stadium was opened in August 1993 to considerable fanfare, as one of the most modern stadiums in Spain. It was soon awarded the prestigious 5 star status by UEFA, although the locals have not warmed to the stadium, with the running track and unclear sightlines meaning that fans behind the goals are very isolated.
The stadium is still one of the best looking in La Liga, with its wave like roof and two tier stands that form a perfect bowl. The club’s previous stadium, the Atocha is still standing, next to the main railway station – and many fans long for the days they spent in the tight stands close to the pitch where the atmosphere was one that was famed across the land. The move to the new stadium co-incided with the club’s downturn in fortunes.
There are now plans to remove the athletics track and replace it was a further level of seating, taking the capacity to around 43,000 – although this would mean lowering the pitch, and potentially playing their home games at either Bilbao’s San Mames or Osasuna’s El Sadar. The stadium has recently been used by French Rugby Union team Biarritz for a number of their big Heineken Cup games.
Who Plays There? The original Real Sociedad were formed in the early 1900’s by a group of students from Britain, who had seen the success down the road in Bilbao. In 1909 the club entered their first national tournament, the Copa del Rey and beat Club Espanol de Madrid 3-1 in the final.
Since that day in May 1909 they club have win a further Cup in 1987 when they beat bitter rival Athletic Bilbao on penalties in Zaragoza. The following season they were runners up in both the league and cup to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. The decade has started so well for the club as they took consecutive titles in 1981 and 1982, after finishing runners up in 1980 to Real Madrid. They capped a fine domestic performance by winning the Super Cup in 1983.
They came close to another title in 2003, after leading the league for most of the season before Real Madrid, surprisingly enough, stole the title on the last day of the season.
The club’s relative success could be put down to the club’s policy of only recruiting local Basque and international players (such English stars as John Aldridge and Dalian Atkinson have graced the field in San Sebastian). This has now changed although success has not followed. Their performance in Europe has also been disappointing. After a semi-final appearance in the 1983 European Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Hamburg, they have failed to reach the quarter finals, although they did reach the group stages of the Champions League in 2003 when they finished 2nd to Juventus before going out on aggregate to Olympique Lyonnais in the round of 16. Since 2003 they have only managed to finish on a high of 14th.
The club have been managed on three occasions by John Toshack, the current Wales coach who proved to be quite a talisman for them, saving them from certain relegation on a number of occasions. At the winter break it looks like they may need his help again as they languish in 19th place, some way off safety.
How to get to the Anoeta The stadium is located to the south of the city centre, close to the Bilbao-Biarritz motorway. The easiest way to reach the stadium from the city centre is to walk – following Sancho el Sabio and Avenida de Madrid to the stadium. There are a number of buses that run to the stadium from the old town – just board one that is signposted Anoeta.
For a more detailed view on who plays where in Spain go to Footiemap.com to access their excellent Football map site.
How to get a ticket for the Anoeta Despite enjoying some success on the field, the crowds have not yet flocked to the Anoeta. Almost every game at the stadium has spare seats – even the games against Bilbao, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The average attendance is just over 22,500. Tickets can be purchased either from the clubs shops in Txurruka, Garbera and Eibar or online from around 10 days before a game. You can also call the ticket office on +34 943 420 247. Tickets for Principal Central are the most expensive at €55, with tickets for the lower Anfiteatro are a more reasonable €30.
Around the Anoeta The stadium is located to the south of the city cente, close to the motorway exit. Next door to the stadium is an indoor arena that often hosts top name concerts. There are a few bars around the stadium, as well as a hotel to the east of the stadium. The main road out of the centre, Avenida de Madrid also has a number of excellent bars.
Bilbao airport is around 45 miles to the west of San Sebastian, and is served by a number of UK airports. Including Easyjet from London Stansted and Iberiafrom London Heathrow. A regular bus service runs direct from outside the terminal to San Sebastian bus station. A taxi would cost around €60.
Just across the border in France is Biarritz airport. The airport is served by Ryanair daily from London Stansted. There is a regular bus from the airport to San Sebastian – taking less than an hour. A hire car may be a better option though.
The Stadium – The Anoeta
Who Plays There?