LaLiga Santander: Athletic Club introduces standing at the San Mamés, a first in Spain

"Athletic Club (LaLiga Santander) has introduced the 'Rail Seat' system in its famous stadium (San Mamés, 53,332 capacity, Bilbao, ESP) to improve the fan experience and increase safety. Fans who would have stood anyway now have more space and aren’t blocking the view of those behind," said LaLiga, on 23/04/2019.

Athletic Club, which has wanted to set up "standing stands"for several years in certain areas of the Estadio San Mamés, has been authorised to install five rows using the "Rail Seat" system, a system that has been used by Celtic FC (Ladbrokes Premiership) at Celtic Park (60,800 capacity) in Glasgow (SCO) since the 2016-17 season. The club's home game versus Club Atlético de Madrid (2-0, Matchday 28 of the 2018-19 LaLiga Santander season) was the first match played after the installation of the new area which allows spectators to remain standing, on 16/03/2019. This is the first time that the system has been used in Spain.

"This development will allow our liveliest supporters to remain standing, singing and jumping throughout the game, without risking their safety or that of…