AFC Bournemouth have issued a detailed guide for supporters travelling to San Sebastián for the club’s historic first European match against Real Sociedad. It covers tickets, travel, the fan meeting point, stadium rules, prohibited items, safety, accessibility and essential travel advice.
AFC Bournemouth are issuing a European Away Supporter Guide ahead of the club's historic first-ever European fixture against Real Sociedad in San Sebastián on Thursday.
The 18-page guide contains key information covering tickets, travel, the Cherries Hub, getting to the stadium, matchday rules, accessibility, emergency contacts and a final checklist for supporters. Here are the main points every travelling fan should know.
Match details
Real Sociedad v AFC Bournemouth
- Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
- Kick-off: 9pm local time (CEST)
- Venue: Estadio de Anoeta
- Capacity: 42,247
- Turnstiles: Open from 7pm, two hours before kick-off.
- Bournemouth supporters will be seated in F, V1, V2, V3 and E4.
- The away section is accessed via Gate 7.
- Supporters should expect a minimum 45-minute holdback after the final whistle.
Sociedad's last match was a 3-0 home loss at Atletico Madrid - REUTERS/Vincent WestDigital tickets and ID checks
All tickets are being issued digitally. Supporters will receive their ticket by email from AFC Bournemouth in PDF format, with a link to download the mobile ticket.
Fans are advised to:
- Open the ticket link on their mobile phone.
- Add the ticket to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
- Bring valid photo identification.
- The club recommends using your passport, as Real Sociedad are likely to conduct ID checks on entry.
- Bournemouth's Ticketing Team will be positioned at the Away Gate to help with ticket problems on matchday.
Taking flags and banners
Flags and banners must be pre-authorised by Real Sociedad/the away club.
Fans wishing to take one must email [email protected] by 9am on Wednesday 16 September, providing:
- A photograph of the banner and its message/content.
- Its dimensions.
- A flame-retardant/fireproof certificate.
- Its intended location inside the stadium.© Tylr Greogory
© Tyler GregoryThe Cherries Hub and fan walk
The official Bournemouth fan meeting point is Alderdi Eder Square, in the city centre next to the seafront.
There are numerous bars and restaurants around the area, with AFC Bournemouth staff available to assist supporters and direct them towards the Kursaal.
The club is encouraging supporters to gather at the Kursaal for a 6.30pm fan walk to the stadium. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.
Fans who don't want to walk can use public transport. A bus stop at Boulevard 9, close to the meeting point, serves Bus No. 28 towards the stadium, with services normally running approximately every seven minutes.
Getting around San Sebastián
The guide describes San Sebastián as a compact, walkable city, with pedestrianised areas and promenades making it relatively easy to get around.
The city's local buses are operated by Dbus, and passengers can pay by card directly on the bus.
The guide also highlights a San Sebastián tourist card:
- €9 for six journeys
- €16 for 12 journeys
- Multipersonal card available
- Valid for 10 days
- €0.50 refundable when the card is returned in good condition
- Available from the tourism office at Town Hall, Ijentea 1.
The city's Adif train station is in the centre, next to the bus station, and connects San Sebastián with destinations elsewhere in Spain.
© Mark TegethoffImportant stadium rules
There are several significant restrictions supporters need to know before setting off.
Inside the stadium:
- No alcohol will be sold.
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited.
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other substances will not be admitted.
- Stadium bars operate card-only payments.
- All supporters will be searched on entry.
- Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted.
- There is a luggage drop at the entrance to the away section, but the club strongly recommends not bringing a large bag in the first place.
- Powerbanks are not permitted inside the stadium.
A prohibited-items graphic on page 12 also highlights restrictions covering items including pyrotechnics/flares, alcohol, cans, laptops/tablets, glass containers, air horns, baby buggies, large bags, poles/sticks, lighters, tools and other potentially hazardous or disruptive items.
AFC Bournemouth Supporters' Information Accessibility
Real Sociedad have allocated 10 wheelchair bays, each with accompanying personal-assistant seating.
There is an accessible entrance at Gate 7, next to the away entrance, with accessible facilities close to the away supporters' area.
AFC Bournemouth's Disability Access Officer will be available on the day, supported by the club's Accessibility Champion. Disabled supporters can contact the fan engagement team for assistance.
Contacting AFC Bournemouth while abroad
The club's Supporter Liaison Officer, Hannah Powis, is the main point of contact for travelling supporters.
Fans are advised to save the club's travelling-supporter number before leaving: +44 7867 6595771
The guide also lists:
- Supporter Liaison Officer: [email protected]
- Disability Liaison Officer: [email protected]
- Ticketing: [email protected]
AFC Bournemouth says fixture and travel information will be shared through multiple channels to ensure supporters have access to up-to-date information.
Reale ArenaSafety and policing
The Bournemouth Safety Team and club stewards will be present at the stadium to assist travelling supporters.
Dorset Police representatives accompanying the delegation include a dedicated Football Officer and Heads of Delegation.
For emergencies in Spain and across Europe, the universal emergency number is:
112 - Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard
The closest hospital to the stadium is Donostia University Hospital, approximately an eight-minute drive away.
The nearest police station listed is: Comisaría de la Policía Nacional Urumea Pasealekua 17 20014 Donostia / San Sebastián
Passport, insurance and travel advice
The club strongly recommends travel insurance covering:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of belongings
- Unforeseen travel disruption
Supporters should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact details.
The guide also advises checking the UK government's latest travel advice before departure, ensuring passports are valid for the duration of the stay and checking any applicable entry/visa requirements.
If a passport is lost or stolen, the advice is:
- Report it to the local police.
- Contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
- Apply for emergency travel documentation.
The guide lists the nearest British Embassy as being in Madrid, with the number +34 917 146 300.
Back of the Net's recent podcast discussed some of the logistics of travelling abroad.Money
The local currency is the euro (€).
Card payments should be available in most locations, but the club recommends supporters carry a small amount of cash as well.
Where supporters can go out
The guide highlights Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros as the main areas for drinks.
It says these areas are lively at night, with jazz bars, pubs and taverns staying open late. Centro and Parte Vieja are also highlighted for their restaurants and traditional Basque cuisine.
The essential Cherries checklist
Before leaving for Spain, Bournemouth supporters are specifically reminded to pack:
- Passport
- Local currency
- European plug adapter
- Travel insurance details
- Travel tickets
- Match tickets
- Cherries top
Action Images via Reuters/Matthew ChildsThe big things to remember
If you're travelling to San Sebastián, the five most important things to have firmly in mind are:
- Match ticket: make sure it's downloaded to your phone/wallet and carry photo ID, preferably your passport.
- 6.30pm fan walk: gather at the Kursaal in time for the organised walk to Anoeta.
- Keep bags small: anything bigger than A4 won't be allowed into the stadium, and power banks are prohibited.
- No alcohol/smoking/vaping inside: there will also be searches and a post-match holdback of at least 45 minutes.
- Save the club's number: +44 7867 6595771 for supporter assistance while travelling.
Finally, the club describes the fixture as a historic milestone - AFC Bournemouth's first-ever European fixture - and asks supporters to represent the club with pride, while enjoying the occasion in a safe and respectful manner.
