Anoeta Stadium

The arena in Basque San Sebastián has its roots in 1993, when the Estadio de Anoeta was inaugurated as a modern replacement for the old Atotxa ground. Its construction reflected Real Sociedad's ambitions at the turn of the millennium and the club's need for a capacity fitting La Liga's requirements.

Construction and opening

The original stadium was designed to accommodate both an athletics track and a football pitch — a common compromise of the era. It opened in 1993 with an initial capacity of approximately 32,000 seats. Real Sociedad moved in immediately, though the athletics track created a distance between the stands and the pitch that noticeably dampened matchday atmosphere in the early years.

Major renovations

The defining chapter in the stadium's history was the 2017-2019 reconstruction, which transformed a multi-purpose athletics venue into a dedicated modern football arena. The running track was removed entirely, the stands were brought significantly closer to the playing surface, and capacity was raised to 39,500 seats. Facilities for players, media and supporters were comprehensively upgraded throughout. In 2019 the stadium adopted its current commercial name Reale Arena, after insurance group Reale Seguros.

Notable moments

The arena has witnessed several unforgettable occasions. Real Sociedad claimed the Copa del Rey in 2020 — the club's first major national trophy in decades. The stadium has hosted Spain national team fixtures and, in the 2022/23 season, staged UEFA Champions League group-stage matches — Real Sociedad's first participation in the competition since 2003.

The atmosphere at Reale Arena ranks among the most intense in La Liga. Real Sociedad supporters — txuri-urdinak (the blue-and-whites) — are known for passionate and loyal support rooted in a strong Basque identity. The 2017-2019 rebuild, which brought the stands close to the pitch, markedly amplified the noise levels and intimacy of matchday.

Fan culture

Fan culture in San Sebastián is inseparable from Basque pride and regional identity. Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao share the unique Basque derby — El Derbi Vasco — one of the most emotionally charged regional fixtures in Spanish football. Both clubs represent the Basque nation, and their clashes carry a weight that goes far beyond three points. Supporters arrive with drums, flags and chants in the Basque language (Euskara), turning the arena into a sea of blue-and-white passion.

Big matches

The modern high point arrived with the Copa del Rey triumph in 2020, when Real Sociedad defeated Athletic Bilbao in the final — a Basque derby as a cup final — claiming the trophy after 34 years of waiting. The 2022/23 Champions League group stage brought elite European clubs to San Sebastián and proved that Reale Arena can generate an atmosphere matching the grandest arenas on the continent.

Reale Arena is located in the southwestern part of San Sebastián and can be reached comfortably by tram or on foot from the city centre.

How to get there

• Tram (EuskoTren): The EuskoTren light-rail line stops near the arena; the journey from the city centre takes approximately 10-15 minutes
• Bus: Several urban bus lines stop close to the stadium; services are reinforced on matchdays
• Walking: From the Old Town (Parte Vieja) it is around 25-30 minutes on foot along the Urumea river
• Car: Parking is available nearby, but arriving well in advance on matchdays is strongly recommended; overflow parking is accessible at the adjacent Illunbe sports complex

Tickets and tours

Real Sociedad sell match tickets through the official club website and the stadium box office. For high-demand fixtures — derbies and cup ties — buying well in advance is essential. The club offers stadium tours covering the dressing rooms, players' tunnel and media areas.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off; the pintxo bars and restaurants in the area fill up with supporters early
• Basque derby: Tickets for El Derbi Vasco are extremely scarce — book months ahead if possible
• Gastronomy: San Sebastián is a world-renowned culinary destination — a pre-match round of pintxos in Parte Vieja is an essential part of the visit