Reale Arena

San Sebastián, Spain

Capacity

39,500

Opened

1993

Surface

Grass

Home Team

Real Sociedad

Overview

Reale Arena, opened in 1993, is the home of Real Sociedad and one of the most modern and atmospheric stadiums in La Liga. With a capacity of 39,500 spectators, this venue underwent a complete transformation between 2017-2019, converting from an athletics stadium to a football-specific ground with stands close to the pitch. Located in the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque), the stadium benefits from a passionate local fanbase and stunning backdrop. Known for its intimate atmosphere despite its size, Reale Arena features a distinctive single-tier design that brings fans remarkably close to the action. The stadium represents Real Sociedad's commitment to Basque football and youth development, with the club's renowned academy, Zubieta, producing world-class talent.

Key Features

✓Completely renovated between 2017-2019, transforming into a football-specific stadium
✓Single-tier design bringing fans extremely close to the pitch
✓Located in San Sebastián, one of Spain's most beautiful coastal cities
✓Home to Real Sociedad, renowned for their youth academy and Basque football tradition
✓Intimate atmosphere with steep stands creating exceptional acoustics

History

The Reale Arena, originally known as Anoeta Stadium, opened on August 13, 1993, replacing the historic Atotxa Stadium. Initially built as a multi-purpose athletics venue, the stadium featured a running track that kept fans distant from the pitch, affecting the atmosphere. For over two decades, Real Sociedad played in this configuration, though the club and fans longed for a more intimate football environment. In 2017, the club embarked on an ambitious €50 million renovation project designed by Urarco Arquitectura. The transformation removed the athletics track and reconstructed all four stands as steep, single-tier sections that bring spectators within metres of the touchline. The renovated stadium reopened in stages between 2017-2019, with the final configuration completed for the 2019-20 season. The naming rights were sold to insurance company Reale Seguros in 2020. The modernized venue has hosted important matches including UEFA competitions and represents Real Sociedad's resurgence as a competitive force in Spanish and European football.

Seating Guide

Reale Arena's single-tier configuration creates an exceptionally uniform viewing experience throughout the stadium. The venue is divided into four main stands: Norte (North), Sur (South), Este (East), and Oeste (West), with sections numbered 100-125 creating a continuous bowl around the pitch. The lateral stands (Este and Oeste) offer the best overall viewing experience. Sections 106-110 (East) and 118-122 (West) provide central, elevated views ideal for tactical appreciation. These mid-sections typically cost €50-85 for La Liga matches and offer excellent value. The proximity to the pitch, thanks to the single-tier design, means even corner sections feel intimate. The Norte (North) stand, sections 101-105, houses Real Sociedad's most passionate supporters, particularly the Herri Norte group. This area generates the most noise and leads the chanting throughout matches. Expect flags, drums, and constant singing. The atmosphere is incredible but can be intense, and sightlines behind the goal are naturally less optimal for following play. The Sur (South) stand, sections 123-125 and 100, sits opposite the Norte and also provides a vibrant atmosphere, though slightly less intense. This end often includes family sections and offers good value tickets at €35-60. Away supporters are typically allocated sections in this area, usually the corner sections. There are no traditional tiers at Reale Arena - the steep single-tier design means every seat has unobstructed views. Premium hospitality boxes are located in the middle sections of the East and West stands. The renovation eliminated all bad seats, making Reale Arena one of Spain's best viewing experiences regardless of ticket price.

Match Day Experience

Match day at Reale Arena offers a quintessentially Basque experience in one of Europe's most beautiful cities. San Sebastián's unique culture blends gastronomy, language, and football passion. The stadium opens 90 minutes before kickoff, but fans typically gather much earlier in the city's numerous pintxo bars, particularly in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and Gros neighbourhood near the stadium. The pre-match ritual centers around pintxos (Basque tapas) and drinks. San Sebastián boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere except Kyoto, and this culinary excellence extends to stadium-area bars. Fans hop between establishments, sampling creative pintxos while discussing the upcoming match. Local cider houses (sagardotegiak) are also popular pre-match destinations. Approaching the stadium, you'll notice the Basque cultural identity everywhere - flags, language, and the txalaparta (traditional Basque percussion). The Anoeta area comes alive on match days with street vendors, club stores, and gathering fans. Inside Reale Arena, the atmosphere builds quickly. The Herri Norte ultra group leads coordinated chanting from the North stand, with impressive tifo displays for big matches. The compact, steep design amplifies sound, creating a wall of noise despite the mid-sized capacity. Concessions inside the stadium offer traditional Basque snacks, bocadillos, and drinks, though many fans prefer to eat beforehand given San Sebastián's exceptional food scene. The stadium facilities are modern and well-maintained, with spacious concourses and good bathroom facilities throughout. Post-match, fans typically return to the city centre, either to La Concha beach area or back to Parte Vieja for more pintxos and post-game analysis. The Gros neighbourhood, closest to the stadium, offers numerous bars popular with younger supporters. The civilized atmosphere means families feel comfortable throughout the experience.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

San Sebastián does not have a metro system, but the stadium is easily accessible by other transport. The city's compact size makes most locations within walking or short bus distance of the stadium.

🚌 Bus

Multiple city bus lines serve Reale Arena directly. Lines 26, 28, and 45 stop at Anoeta Stadium stop. From the city centre (Boulevard), take line 26 or 28, which run frequently on match days. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Buses are operated by Dbus San Sebastián.

🅿️ Parking

The stadium has underground parking facilities (Parking Anoeta) with approximately 450 spaces, though these fill quickly on match days. Additional parking is available at nearby shopping centers like Boulevard Zurriola. On match days, traffic can be heavy, so arriving early is essential. Public transport or walking is recommended for most visitors.

🚶 From City Center

Reale Arena is about 2.5km from San Sebastián city centre (La Concha beach/Parte Vieja). It's a pleasant 25-30 minute walk along the river or through the Gros neighbourhood. Many fans enjoy walking along the Urumea River pathway, which offers scenic views. From the train station (Estación del Norte), it's approximately 20 minutes on foot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reale Arena has a capacity of 39,500 spectators following the 2017-2019 renovation. The stadium previously held 32,076 in its athletics configuration. The increased capacity came from the new single-tier stands built closer to the pitch.

From San Sebastián city centre, take bus line 26 or 28, which takes about 15 minutes. You can also walk in 25-30 minutes along the scenic Urumea River pathway. The stadium is located in the Anoeta area, east of the city centre. Taxis are readily available and take about 10 minutes from downtown.

Yes, Real Sociedad offers stadium tours on non-match days, subject to availability. The tour includes access to the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitch-side, press conference room, and club museum. Tours must be booked in advance through the official Real Sociedad website and typically last 60-75 minutes.

The Gros neighbourhood is closest to the stadium and offers good hotel options with beach access. However, staying in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) or near La Concha beach provides better cultural immersion with easy bus access to the stadium. San Sebastián is compact, so most areas are convenient.

Real Sociedad has a strong Basque identity and operates one of Spain's finest youth academies at Zubieta, developing players like Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann, and Mikel Oyarzabal. The club has twice won La Liga (1981, 1982) and maintains deep connections to Basque culture and community. Their philosophy emphasizes attractive football and local talent.

Match tickets range from €35 to €120+ depending on the opponent and seat location. Derby matches against Athletic Bilbao command the highest prices. Mid-tier matches against teams like Sevilla or Villarreal cost €50-75 for good seats. Stadium tours cost approximately €12-15 for adults. Advance booking is recommended.

Between 2017-2019, Real Sociedad transformed Anoeta from an athletics stadium into a football-specific venue. The renovation removed the running track and completely rebuilt all four stands as steep, single-tier sections. The club played through most of the construction, with work completed in phases. The €50 million project revolutionized the match day atmosphere.

Related Stadiums

Other stadiums in La Liga

Stadium Name History

2019Reale Arena

1993Estadio de Anoeta

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