Fernando Buesa Arena Sports Fan Tips

Fernando Buesa Arena is a venue in or near Vitoria that is most often used for Basketball

How do I get to Fernando Buesa Arena?

It's pretty common for visitors to travel in by rail to Renfe Train Station. From there, you can hope on the number L3 (Line 3) bus which takes you all the way to Portal Zurbano 2, just 750m from the stadium itself, along the same road. Really easy, and the bus costs less than a euro! You could also walk, but it's around 4km which is quite far.There is some parking available at the venue for those who elect to drive, but you may have to settle for sourcing some nearby on-street parking if the spaces fill up.

Best Food and Drink at Fernando Buesa Arena?

The food on sale at the venue is probably exactly what you'd expect from a sports arena these days - it's mostly burgers, hot dogs and that stream of American-influenced dining. The truth though, is that it all really hits the spot. The focus of the day is on the basketball (or the concert, or whichever event you've gone to see) and the food is really just about sustenance. It's fairly expensive, so if your event doesn't last too long you can always just eat somewhere nicer before and after.

Fernando Buesa Arena seating?

The first thing worth nothing is that while there are a staggering 15,000 seats in the venue (for basketball games), Baskonia matches are likely to sell out, so make sure to buy your ticket early, if possible! The blue-and-red seating combined with an interweaving lattice of aluminium-coloured support beams up in the sky give the stadium an ultra-modern, pleasing look. Personally I think it's quite at odds with the ludicrous design out front. There are no "bad seats" inside, though those affording the best views tend to come with the highest price tags.

Things to check out around Fernando Buesa Arena?

Since there's not a whole lot happening immediately around the venue, you're probably gonna head back into town afterwards (on the L3 bus, perhaps?) and once there, you could benefit from paying a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria. It is a stunning piece of architecture (with gorgeous surroundings, in the form of other buildings and grassy areas) which embodies the whole atmosphere of Vitoria: it is old and full of history, but still thriving.

What to expect from the Fernando Buesa Arena crowd?

If you are lucky enough to be there for a Saski Baskonia match, then you're in for a real treat! The pro basketball team has a massive following which fills the arena for most games. In fact, the crowd here is so impressive that the capacity was substantially increased a few years ago to help satisfy demand for tickets - they could keep going and still not everyone would get a seat! If you're here for a concert or something else entirely, I'm sure the crowd will be well up for it, but one thing you can guarantee is that the superb acoustics in this venue will amplify all noise and build a huge atmosphere!

Best Bars around Fernando Buesa Arena?

There are loads of great bars....back in town! Unfortunately there just aren't any great options at the venue itself, but it's so easy to travel between the arena and the more happening parts of Vitoria Gasteiz (around Cuadrilla de Vitoria) that it won't put a damper on your evening! Choice picks would have to be the Burdina Pub on Pintore Kalea, which offers comfortable outdoor seating (and it's quite often good weather in this neck of the woods!) or Candela, a traditional pub which is a bit closer to the venue.

Best Insider tip at Fernando Buesa Arena?

The way to make the absolute most of out your trip to the Buesa Arena is to view the action from one of the 34 VIP boxes around the court. The box comes with food in terms of rolls and tapas-style servings, which means no time wasted queueing up for a burger and risking missing some of the action! Overlooking the court with a prime vantage point, you can experience the game in a way which is superior to virtually all other seats. Contact the venue directly to enquire about pricing!

Best restaurants near Fernando Buesa Arena?

Literally the closest "restaurant" to the venue is a Burger King, but that's not what most of us consider a restaurant.. As with the best bars in the area, everything is back in Vitoria proper. There's the Embajada Mexicana, a traditional latin American restaurant where you can have alllll the Mexican classics, cooked and seasoned to perfection. For something more "staple" (or American), then maybe The Challenge is the one for you - they serve the classic "sports day" food we all know and appreciate, like beefy burgers and crispy fries!