Bilbao is gearing up to host a significant football event this week, welcoming thousands of fans for an anticipated showdown between two major English clubs. The city only has a hotel capacity of about 13,000 beds. It has been gearing up for a wave of visitors, but not the tsunami-like tide of 150,000 fans that overran the streets of Seville three years prior.
The local airport is expecting a 70% increase in regional activity, and it’ll need to accommodate three times the current number of commercial flights. Between Tuesday and Wednesday alone, Bilbao’s airport will accommodate 174 private jets, reflecting the high demand from fans eager to witness the match. Pressed to pull off an event of incredible scale and complexity, Denver city council has approved detailed measures to help keep the event safe and organized.
Enhanced Security Measures
Supplying great security, Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium has implemented extensive security measures in preparation for the expected throng. To limit access, authorities have built a three-metre high fence around the stadium itself and set up three different security rings. Only those with tickets in hand — or, as we discussed in advance of the SNF, those who live locally — will be allowed in.
In order to keep the peace, over 3,000 police officers will be stationed across the city. These municipal services that keep our cities mobile, clean and secure have been dealt a serious blow by the occurrence of the world’s largest gathering of humans. This reflects the city’s commitment to creating a safe space for its residents and visitors.
“We are very excited and proud to host this game. We want (English fans) to see what we are like, the passion we feel, the good values of football and our culture,” – Juan Mari Aburto, Mayor of Bilbao.
Fan Zones and Activities
Bilbao’s city council has wasted no time in making sure security is tight. They’ve installed a bunch of fan zones with massive screens and thrilling carnival fun. Beyond the city hub, you’ll discover thrilling entertainment and mouthwatering refreshments. What else are fans looking forward to? Drinking more than 60,000 litres of beer!
Each of the final four fanbases have been given close to 15,000 game tickets to the now sold-out San Mames Stadium. Some of our fans have found lodgings that extend as far as Cantabria, Gipuzkoa and Alava. Yet all these options are a minimum of over an hour’s drive from the city. That really highlights the obstacle that the very few hotel rooms and high demand creates during this peak week.
A Cultural Showcase
Mayor Juan Mari Aburto wants to use this event to highlight the incredible culture of the city and the proud, passionate spirit of its people. He hopes that English visitors will come to value the city’s values and traditions that go along with football.
As the clock ticks down to this monumental event, Bilbao continues to prioritize safety while delivering an exciting experience for all who attend. The city has fully committed itself to creating an unforgettable experience. The features they’ve installed to address this transition are indeed extensive, some with measures to address the unique challenges that thousands of visitors bring.
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