San Mamés event to kick off 125th anniversary celebrations

Athletic Club will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2023. This milestone is more than just a number, it also speaks of identity, a sense of belonging and a unique way of understanding elite football.

On Thursday, December 29 at 17:00 CET, The Cathedral will open its doors to celebrate the start of our 125th anniversary with an event that reflects the Club's spirit, a precious legacy we have maintained throughout history by passing it down from generation to generation.

An evening at The Cathedral: 'San Mamés Sings'

Admission to San Mamés will be free and open to all Athletic supporters from 17:00 CET. There is no need to book in advance and spectators, depending on attendance, will be seated in the stands indicated to them (further relevant information will be announced in the next few days).

The event will begin at 17:30 CET with a communal song, a form of celebrating that is entrenched in Basque society. San Mamés Sings' will have a master of ceremonies who, from a small stage, will give way to various guests to guide the audience in their interpretation.

The Bilbao Choral Society will be in charge of conducting the first four songs, including traditional Basque carols before the group Taberna Ibiltaria sing other classics of Basque music.

Then the traditional bilbainadas will take over and to finish a group representing the San Mamés Standing Section will take to the stage and encourage people to sing the typical Club songs such as "Ene maite" or "Txoria txori". Throughout the evening, the stadium's food stalls will be open to serve soft drinks and beer.

Main event, flag-raising with the Bilbao Choral Society

The key event of the day, at around 18:45 CET, will be a tribute to all those who have contributed to Athletic throughout these 125 years. While the Bilbao Choral Society sings "Agur jaunak eta andreak", the official 125th anniversary flag that will preside over San Mamés throughout 2023 will be raised in memory of those who have left us, but who always remain present by our side.

Real Betis vs Athletic Club shown on giant screens thanks to DAZN

From 19:15 CET onwards, Athletic fans can watch the match against Real Betis on giant screens placed on the pitch at San Mamés. DAZN, the streaming platform broadcasting the match exclusively, wanted to be part of such an historic date for Athletic and are providing the match signal so all fans can watch live from San Mamés.

A year to be proud of Athletic Club

With this inaugural event on 29 December, a year of celebrations begins. It is a programme with remarkable sporting, social, cultural and institutional events that will promote Athletic's unique nature all around the world. Events will be announced closer to their dates and it is hoped this will be a year in which all Athleticzales can feel proud of their club.