Real Sociedad’s Reale Arena – best known as the Anoeta Stadium – is the third home stadium for the club. Before then came Ondarreta for a four-year period of 1909-1913, followed up by Atocha between 1913-1993. The stadium was built too late for Sociedad’s famous 1982 La Liga triumph, but has been witness to some vital moments, and some terrible lows for the club.
Reale Arena Stadium Real Sociedad History – A Journey Through Time
With just 27,000 fans able to squeeze into Atocha, the club decided that they would invest in a new, modern stadium with more up-to-date facilities and an expanded capacity.
When it opened in 1993, it held 32,000 spectators, though that dipped to 26,800 for redevelopment that saw the number of seats increased to 39,313 in 2019, though there is a chance that could be increased by a few thousand more with further work.
For Sociedad, it was the home ground for their triumphant return to the Primera Liga when they clinched promotion from the Segunda Division in 2010.
And while the stadium was not their home for their hugely successful early 80s era, the period is celebrated by a bust of title-winning manager Alberto Ormaetxea.
Reale Arena Stadium Renovation – Shaping the Modern Jewel
As part of the modernisation strategy at the ground, the club removed the running track around the pitch, which brought fans closer to the action pitchside, and made room to add more seats in.
Additionally, a new south end was built, finished just in time for the 2018/19 season (once the club had played its first few games away from home).
The work saw 3,000 more fans allowed in, and then work started on a new north stand.
When that was completed shortly after the start of the 2019/20 season, the official capacity was announced as 39.500.
As well as improving facilities and stadium capacity, the atmosphere has seen the Aitor Zabaleta signing section created, to improve the atmosphere for the club’s most passionate fans.
Real Sociedad Stadium Capacity – A Sea of Blue and White
With the stadium capacity now sitting at a little over 39,000, Sociedad allows some of the Basque country’s most passionate fans to support the club to will on their players to new success. The club is driven to recreate the early 80s glory days, and to enjoy their new place in the Champions League tournament, And perhaps above all else, to emerge triumphant from its rivalries with Basque rivals Osasuna and Athletic Club Bilbao.
With the fans now closer than ever to the action, the sea of blue and white shirts, flags and banners raises an imposing atmosphere for any team that visits
Where is Reale Arena Stadium? – Navigating the Heart of Sevilla
Anoeta is served by the Anoeta metro station for the Euskotren Trena, which makes it easy for fans to reach the stadium.
Bus lines Line 17, Line 24 Line 28, Line 26, Line 37, and night line B4 are also of use for supporters.
Matchday Traditions – Creating Memories at Reale Arena Stadium
One tradition that began at the club’s previous stadium, Atotxa, was to let off a firework when an opponent scored, and two when the home team scored. Perhaps it is an apocryphal tale, but the legend has it that it was a way to let seamen in the neighbouring Bay of Biscay to keep track of the scores even when they weren’t onshore. The tradition carries on to this day.
The club continues to celebrate its Basque roots, and while it may have a rivalry with Athletic, there is a shared identity for many in the region.
Socios.com and Real Sociedad Fan Tokens – The Fan’s Voice
Real Sociedad Fan Tokens are a digital asset that lets you turn your support into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you will get the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, unique rewards, and other kinds of prizes that reward your passionate lifelong support for your team. Fan Tokens will let you take part in official club polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, pick your favourite players and even more, all while earning reward points to help you win Fan Rewards.
