Manchester United and Tottenham will meet in a European final for the first time As many as 80,000 fans descending on a city with a population of 345,000. It is not hard to imagine how the northern Spanish city of Bilbao will be tested as Manchester United and Tottenham prepare for Wednesday's Europa League final. Uefa, European football's governing body, has apologised in the past for thechaotic scenesat the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris and fortransport issuesat the 2023 final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul. So how is Bilbao coping? Bilbao is the 10th largest city in Spain by population and the biggest city in the north-east region of Spain known as the Basque country, which also includes tourist hotspot San Sebastian. With 345,000 residents, Bilbao is smaller than the cities of Palma on the island of Mallorca and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. The San Mames stadium, opened in 2013, is home to La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, whom United beat in the semi-finals. It has a capacity of just over 53,000 but that has been reduced to 49,600 for the final. It hosted the Women's Champions League final in 2024 and the 2018 finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup and Champions Cup, and was due to host four Euro 2020 games which were moved because of Covid-19 restrictions. Bilbao is not as easy to reach as you may think. It is served by direct flights from only three English cities - London, Manchester and Bristol. According to reports in Spain, 282 flights are expected in Bilbao on Wednesday - a record for a single day - while there has been a 94% week-on-week spike in departures from the UK to Bilbao. The prices of those flights - some as high as £1,400 - soared once United and Spurs made it to the final, with airlines scrambling to put on added flights to meet demand. Even then, many fans had been priced out, preferring instead to catch indirect flights or fly to nearby Spanish or French cities before making connections. Others have avoided flying, preferring instead to cross the Channel via ferry, car or train to France before making their way to the north coast of Spain. Some fans took a direct33-hour ferryfrom Portsmouth to Bilbao, while one United fan made a2,500 mile journeyfrom Manchester taking in Dublin, Paris and Rome. Bilbao has one airport, which is 12km from the city centre. Most people opt for a bus or taxi into town but local newspaperEl Correo reported,externalthat Uber prices have surged to more than 100 euros for a journey which normally costs about 30. This video can not be played Fans take 33-hour ferry for Europa League final Bilbao has an estimated 13,000 hotel beds. It does not take a mathematician to work out that the city may have a problem accommodating its English visitors. Double rooms in some central hotels have been going for more than £1,800 per night. Many fans have booked rooms or hostels, are staying with locals or are commuting from nearby towns, while United fan Matthew Blackford slept in a park with his friends to avoid "silly hotel prices". "I'm with a few mates and we only arrived in Bilbao at 10.30 last night,"he told BBC Sport. "We headed straight out for a few drinks. It only dawned on us later 'where are we going to sleep tonight?' "We found some benches. I managed to get my head down for three or four hours. "I am pretty skint, but couldn't help myself and wanted to try and get here." Alfie Watts, who won BBC's Race Across the World last year, is a Spurs fan and flew from Stansted to Santiago de Compostela. He then drove six hours to Gorliz, which is about 45 minutes from Bilbao Wednesday's game will be the sixth all-English European final in history. The meeting of two teams from any country in an event of this magnitude would test resources, but particularly so when it involves teams whose fans travel in such numbers. Local police have reported minor clashes between supporters in Bilbao and San Sebastian, which is 48 miles away. However, no arrests have been made and the atmosphere between the supporters in Bilbao is said to be generally friendly. There will be three security rings around the stadium for the game and more than 1,500 officers have been put on duty, with all special units working. BBC Sport has been told that, given the amiable atmosphere, there are no plans for police escorts to accompany fans from the city centre to the stadium. Each team were allocated about 15,000 tickets, with the remainder given to Uefa sponsors or bought by neutrals, including officials, other sponsors and guests. Both teams have been designated fan zones in separate areas of the city. United's is in Etxebarria Parkea, with a capacity of 20,000 and beer costing five euros. From there, fans can either take a five-minute metro or take a 41-minute walk to the San Mames stadium. Club legends Denis Irwin and Andy Cole will be in attendance and there will also be performances from Liam Fray of the Courteeners and Mani from the Stone Roses. Tottenham's designated area is in Ametzola, which is even closer than United's fanpark. Spurs supporters can catch an 11-minute bus to the stadium or take a 21-minute walk.
How is Bilbao coping with up to 80,000 Man Utd and Spurs fans?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Bilbao Prepares for Influx of Fans Ahead of Europa League Final"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
As the northern Spanish city of Bilbao prepares to host the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham, it faces the challenge of accommodating up to 80,000 fans arriving in a city with a population of just 345,000. The San Mames stadium, which has a reduced capacity of 49,600 for the final, is the venue for this historic match, marking the first time these two English clubs meet in a European final. Bilbao, known for its vibrant culture and proximity to the Basque Country's tourist spots, has seen a significant increase in flight bookings, with a record 282 flights expected on the day of the match. However, high prices for flights, some reaching £1,400, have forced many fans to seek alternative travel options, such as indirect flights or overland travel via ferry or train. The city’s limited hotel accommodations, with an estimated 13,000 beds, have led to skyrocketing prices, with some central hotels charging over £1,800 per night. Many fans have opted to stay with locals, book hostels, or even sleep outdoors to avoid exorbitant costs.
Local authorities and police are gearing up for the influx of fans, with more than 1,500 officers deployed to ensure safety and manage the expected crowds. Despite minor clashes reported between supporters in nearby areas, the atmosphere in Bilbao is generally friendly, with no arrests made. Both teams have designated fan zones in different parts of the city, where supporters can gather before heading to the stadium. Manchester United's fan zone, located in Etxebarria Parkea, can accommodate 20,000 fans and offers a lively pre-match environment with food and entertainment. Tottenham's zone is even closer to the stadium, providing easy access for their supporters. The local police have indicated that there will be no need for escorts for fans heading to the stadium, given the amicable interactions observed so far. The event is highly anticipated, not only for the match itself but also for the unique challenges it presents to the city of Bilbao.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the challenges faced by the northern Spanish city of Bilbao as it prepares to host a significant number of fans from Manchester United and Tottenham for the Europa League final. It emphasizes the city's limited capacity, both in terms of infrastructure and accommodation, as well as the logistical hurdles posed by high demand for flights and accommodations.
City Capacity and Infrastructure Concerns
Bilbao, with a population of 345,000, is much smaller than the influx of fans it will receive. The San Mames stadium has a reduced capacity for the final, which raises concerns about whether the city can adequately accommodate the fans. The mention of past UEFA events where chaos ensued suggests a concern that similar issues might arise again, potentially affecting fans' experiences.
Transportation and Accessibility Issues
The article notes the limited direct flight options to Bilbao from the UK, indicating the potential for transportation bottlenecks. The soaring flight prices and the scramble for additional flights reflect the high demand, which may lead to many fans being unable to reach the city. This aspect may create a narrative of frustration and disappointment among supporters, painting a picture of Bilbao as an unprepared host.
Potential Economic Impact and Local Sentiment
By discussing the high influx of fans and the corresponding rise in flight prices, the article hints at the potential economic benefits for Bilbao, including increased tourism revenue. However, the narrative also paints a picture of a city grappling with the logistics of hosting such a large event, which may lead to mixed feelings among local residents who might be overwhelmed by the sudden influx.
Public Perception and Community Reactions
The article aims to shape public perception regarding the capability of Bilbao to handle this significant event. It conveys a sense of uncertainty and concern, which might resonate with both local residents and traveling fans. The juxtaposition of excitement for the final against the backdrop of logistical challenges creates a complex emotional landscape.
Comparative Analysis with Other Events
In referencing past UEFA events that faced criticism, there is an implied comparison that could lead readers to question the effectiveness of UEFA’s planning and execution. This comparison may serve to create a narrative of skepticism towards the organization’s ability to ensure a smooth experience for fans.
Broader Implications and Stakeholder Interests
The article may indirectly influence stakeholders, including local businesses and the tourism sector, by discussing the economic ramifications of hosting the fans. It may encourage businesses to prepare for increased demand while also highlighting the potential challenges of overcrowding.
Trustworthiness and Conclusion
The article appears to be a reliable source of information, as it discusses factual details about the event, the city, and transportation logistics. However, it does carry an undertone of concern which could be viewed as manipulative in creating a narrative of uncertainty surrounding the event. This suggests a potential bias towards highlighting challenges over opportunities.
Overall, the article serves to inform readers while also shaping their perceptions about the upcoming event and the city of Bilbao's readiness to host it.