Real Sociedad Stadium Tour: Visit the Reale Arena in San Sebastián

Founded in 1909 in the Basque city of San Sebastián, Real Sociedad de Fútbol play their home games at the Reale Arena. Formerly known as Anoeta, the stadium hosted its first match in 1993, replacing the club’s previous venues at Ondarreta (1909-1913) and Atocha (1913-1993). As well as football games, the stadium hosts rugby union matches and is a popular concert venue.

A major renovation of the stadium was completed in 2019 which included the removal of the athletics track around the pitch. This helped increase the Reale Arena’s capacity to 39,500. These updates have boosted its bid to become a host venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Real Sociedad stadium tours have become a popular tourist attraction for football fans visiting San Sebastián.

Getting There: The Reale Arena is well-connected to San Sebastián’s transport network, with easy access via the Anoeta station on the E2 line of Euskotren Trena and multiple bus routes (17, 24, 28, 26, 37, and night line B4), making it a central hub for sports and entertainment in the city.

Real Sociedad Stadium Tour Highlights

Football enthusiasts on a city break to San Sebastián should not miss the opportunity to tour the Reale Arena, home to Real Sociedad. This comprehensive stadium tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Spain’s most modern sporting venues while delving into the rich history of the club.

The tour provides a player’s perspective of the stadium from pitch-side, granting access to both home and away team dressing rooms. Visitors can experience the thrill of walking through the players’ tunnel and explore the press conference room and media areas. Throughout the tour, guides highlight the stadium’s cutting-edge facilities and technology.

Architectural and historical insights are woven into the experience. The Reale Arena’s distinctive blue seats pay homage to both the club’s colours and the iconic Bay of La Concha. A focal point of the recent renovation is the impressive roof structure, which has enhanced acoustics and given the stadium a more modern, imposing appearance. Guides explain how this new design has elevated the matchday atmosphere.

Sustainability features prominently in the Real Sociedad stadium tour, with explanations of the energy-efficient lighting system and rainwater collection used for pitch irrigation. Visitors learn about the innovative hybrid grass system which combines natural and artificial turf, ensuring an optimal playing surface all year-round.

The tour also showcases the stadium’s integration with its surroundings, offering panoramic views of San Sebastián and the nearby Urumea river from select viewpoints. This perspective allows visitors to appreciate the arena’s place within the city’s landscape.

Typically lasting 60-90 minutes, Real Sociedad stadium tours are available on non-match days. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. To enhance the experience, visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the club’s history (see below) prior to the tour, as it provides valuable context for understanding Real Sociedad’s significance in Spanish football.

Real Sociedad Fixtures 2024-25

If you plan your visit to San Sebastián correctly you could watch a Real Sociedad match as well as taking the Reale Arena stadium tour. Tickets can be purchased on the Real Sociedad website.

History of Real Sociedad Football Club

Real Sociedad de Fútbol, commonly known as Real Sociedad or La Real, is a cornerstone of Basque football and a significant force in Spanish soccer. Founded on 7 September 1909 in the picturesque coastal city of San Sebastián, this club has woven itself into the fabric of Spanish football, becoming a symbol of regional pride and sporting excellence. This comprehensive guide delves into the rich tapestry of Real Sociedad’s history, exploring its triumphs, challenges and the individuals who have shaped its legacy over more than a century.

From British Influence to Basque Identity

The story of Real Sociedad begins at the dawn of the 20th century when football was still finding its feet in Spain. In 1904, students and workers returning from Britain introduced the sport to San Sebastián, leading to the formation of San Sebastián Recreation Club. This early incarnation competed in the 1905 Copa del Rey, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

In 1908, following a split within the club, the San Sebastian Football Club emerged. This team, competing as Club Ciclista de San Sebastián due to registration complications, achieved early success by winning the 1909 Copa del Rey. The victory was spearheaded by the prolific George McGuinness, who netted six goals in the tournament, including the opener in the final against Club Español de Madrid.

Months after this triumph, on 7th September 1909, the club was officially founded as Sociedad de Fútbol. The following year marked a significant milestone when King Alfonso XIII granted the club his royal patronage, leading to the adoption of the name Real Sociedad de Fútbol. This royal connection elevated the club’s status and set the stage for its future prominence.

Early Successes and the Formation of La Liga

Real Sociedad’s early years were marked by success in the Copa del Rey. In 1913, the club reached the final again, losing to FC Barcelona in a closely contested match that required three games to decide the winner. In 1928, they once again made it to the final, facing Barcelona in another epic contest that, like 15 years earlier, took three matches to resolve, with Barcelona ultimately emerging victorious.

The formation of La Liga in 1929 marked a new chapter in Spanish football and Real Sociedad was there from the beginning as one of the founding members. In the inaugural La Liga season, the club finished an impressive fourth, with Francisco “Paco” Bienzobas finishing as the league’s top scorer. This early success in La Liga was a sign of the club’s potential, though consistent success would prove elusive in the coming years.

Spanish Civil War: Relegations and Rebuilding

The Spanish Civil War brought significant challenges to Real Sociedad, as it did to all aspects of Spanish society. During the Second Spanish Republic, the club’s name was changed to Donostia Club de Fútbol, reverting to Real Sociedad after the war in 1939.

The post-war years were a period of fluctuation for the club. Real Sociedad experienced a remarkable seven promotions and relegations during the 1940s, highlighting the instability of this era. Despite these challenges, this period also saw the emergence of talented players like the goalkeeper Eduardo Chillida, who would later become one of Spain’s most renowned sculptors.

The Rise to Prominence: 1960s and 1970s

By the late 1960s, Real Sociedad had established itself as a regular in La Liga, beginning a 40-year unbroken streak in the top flight in 1967. This period saw the emergence of players who would become club legends, such as Jesús María Zamora and Roberto López Ufarte.

The 1970s marked a period of growing strength for the club. Real Sociedad began to challenge the dominance of Spain’s traditional powerhouses, laying the groundwork for what would become their golden era in the following decade.

The Golden Age: Conquering La Liga in the 1980s

The 1980s heralded Real Sociedad’s golden age, a period of unprecedented success that would etch the club’s name in Spanish football history. Under the astute management of Alberto Ormaetxea, La Real achieved the pinnacle of domestic success.

The 1980-81 season saw Real Sociedad clinch its first-ever La Liga title, ending a 71-year wait. The team’s success was built on a solid defensive foundation and the goalscoring prowess of players like Jesús María Satrústegui, who topped the club’s scoring charts with 16 goals.

Remarkably, Real Sociedad defended their title the following season, going undefeated throughout the 1981-82 campaign – a feat that further cemented their status as one of Spain’s elite teams. Pedro Uralde led the scoring with 14 goals, while the legendary goalkeeper Luis Arconada provided a formidable last line of defense.

This domestic dominance opened doors to European competition. Real Sociedad made their European Cup debut in the 1981-82 season, reaching the semi-finals before falling to eventual winners Hamburg SV. The club’s European adventures continued throughout the decade, enhancing their reputation on the continental stage.

The Toshack Era: Welsh Influence in San Sebastián

A crucial figure in Real Sociedad’s modern history is John Toshack, the Welsh manager who had three separate spells at the club. Toshack first arrived in 1985, guiding the team to Copa del Rey success in 1987 and a runner-up finish in La Liga in 1987-88. His tactical acumen and man-management skills left a lasting impression on the club.

Toshack returned for two more stints (1991-1994 and 2001-2002), each time bringing stability and competitive performances. His influence extended beyond his managerial roles; Toshack became an important board member and was instrumental in recommending Chris Coleman as manager in 2007. The Welshman’s legacy at Real Sociedad is a testament to the club’s openness to foreign expertise while maintaining its strong Basque identity.

The Basque Identity and Policy Shift

For much of its history, Real Sociedad adhered to a Basque-only policy, reflecting the club’s deep connection to its regional identity. This approach, officially adopted in 1967, mirrored that of their rivals Athletic Bilbao and played a crucial role in shaping the club’s identity and footballing philosophy.

The policy led to the development of a strong youth academy, which produced numerous talented players who would achieve success with both Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team. However, the landscape of European football was changing and in 1989, Real Sociedad made a pivotal decision to sign Irish striker John Aldridge from Liverpool, marking the end of the Basque-only era.

This shift in policy opened new avenues for the club. Aldridge was followed by Dalian Atkinson in 1990, who became the club’s first black player. Despite this change, Real Sociedad maintained a strong Basque core, balancing local talent with strategic international acquisitions.

The Turn of the Millennium: A New Golden Generation

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Real Sociedad nurture a new generation of talent that would make waves both domestically and internationally. The 2002-03 season, under the management of Frenchman Raynald Denoueix, saw La Real finish as La Liga runners-up, their best performance since the glory days of the 1980s.

This team featured a potent mix of homegrown talent and international stars:

• Xabi Alonso: The midfield maestro who won the Don Balón award for the best Spanish player in the league.
• Nihat Kahveci: The Turkish striker who netted 23 league goals.
• Darko Kovačević: The Yugoslav international who contributed 20 goals.

This success qualified Real Sociedad for the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League, where they reached the round of 16 before bowing out to Lyon.

Challenges and Resurgence in the 21st Century

The years following the 2003-04 season brought new challenges. Real Sociedad experienced relegation in 2007, ending a 40-year streak in the top flight. However, this setback was temporary and the club returned to La Liga in 2010 under the guidance of Martín Lasarte.

Since their return, Real Sociedad has gradually re-established itself as a competitive force in Spanish football. The club has consistently finished in the top half of the table and qualified for the UEFA Europa League on multiple occasions.

The appointment of youth coach Imanol Alguacil as manager in 2018 marked a return to the club’s roots of promoting young talent while playing attractive football. This approach bore fruit when Real Sociedad won the 2020 Copa del Rey (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), defeating Athletic Bilbao in a historic all-Basque final. This victory, their first major trophy in 34 years, symbolized the club’s successful blend of homegrown talent and strategic recruitment.

The Zubieta Academy: Nurturing Future Stars

Central to Real Sociedad’s philosophy is the renowned Zubieta youth academy. Established in the 1970s, Zubieta has been instrumental in producing a steady stream of talented players who have gone on to star for the first team and beyond. Notable academy graduates include Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann and current captain Mikel Oyarzabal.

The academy’s focus on technical skills, tactical understanding and the promotion of Basque football values has ensured a constant supply of high-quality players, allowing Real Sociedad to remain competitive despite financial constraints.

Recent Achievements and Future Outlook

In recent years, Real Sociedad has continued to compete at a high level in La Liga and European competitions. The club has qualified for the UEFA Europa League multiple times and made a return to the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season, reaching the round of 16 before being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.

Key players in this modern era include:

Mikel Oyarzabal: A product of the youth academy and now club captain.
David Silva: Former Manchester City star who joined in 2020, bringing experience and quality to the midfield.
Alexander Isak: The Swedish striker who attracted attention from top European clubs before his move to Newcastle United.
Martín Zubimendi: A defensive midfielder who won the 2024 European Championships with before turning down a lucrative transfer to Liverpool.

From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its current status as one of Spain’s most respected clubs, Real Sociedad’s journey embodies the passion and pride of Basque football. Through triumphs and challenges, the club has maintained its unique identity, continuing to be a source of inspiration for its fans and a formidable opponent for its rivals.

As Real Sociedad moves forward, it carries with it the weight of history and the dreams of its supporters. The club’s commitment to youth development, attractive football and Basque pride remains unwavering. In the ever-evolving landscape of European football, La Real stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, identity and the beautiful game, poised to write new chapters in its illustrious history.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​