Oisin Foster
If you're planning on catching a La Liga game in Spain and want to enjoy a beer while you watch, it's important to know the rules around alcohol consumption at Spanish football stadiums. While the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks are prohibited inside Spanish stadiums, including La Roselada stadium, there are usually plenty of bars and supporters gathering outside to enjoy a drink before the game. In addition, some stadiums have restaurants with bars where you can purchase alcoholic beverages. It's worth noting that containers without lids and under 500 ml are generally allowed inside, but glass containers and cans are not permitted. So, while you may not be able to drink beer inside the stadium, there are still options to enjoy a beverage while soaking up the pre-game atmosphere.
What You'll Learn
Drinking culture in football
Drinking alcohol is prohibited at sporting events in Spain, including La Liga games. However, drinking culture is prevalent in football, with varying degrees of acceptance and integration across different countries. In England, football had a strong drinking culture that started to decline in the late 1990s due to the influence of foreign managers like Arsène Wenger, who promoted the benefits of abstinence for health and performance. Wenger's appointment as Arsenal manager in 1996 marked a shift towards improved lifestyle choices, and the club won the Premier League and FA Cup within 18 months.
Historically, drinking was an integral part of English football, with players often known for their drinking abilities off the pitch. The "Tuesday Club" at Arsenal, established in the 1980s, is a notable example of the drinking culture in English football. However, with the advent of the Premier League and Champions League, football became more commercialized, and the financial stakes increased. As a result, players could no longer afford to spend multiple nights a week drinking without impacting their performance.
The association between football and alcohol consumption is evident in other countries as well. In Germany, it is common for football fans to drink beer and eat bratwurst during matches. In Argentina, drinking and football are intertwined, with bars and pubs near stadiums often being the gathering places for supporters before, during, and after the game.
However, the negative consequences of excessive drinking in football cannot be ignored. Some players have suffered from alcohol abuse, with tragic cases leading to death. Additionally, alcohol-related crimes, such as drink driving, have been committed by footballers, leading to increased scrutiny and a shift towards a more drink-free culture in football.
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Alcohol consumption in Spanish stadiums
Alcohol consumption in football stadiums varies across the world. In England, fans are banned from consuming alcohol in view of the pitch or in stadium areas with a view of the pitch. Alcohol is sold in the concourses of stadiums before and during the game but cannot be brought into the stands. In Scotland, alcohol is banned from all football grounds, except for corporate hospitality areas. In France, it is illegal to use alcohol sponsorship in sports. In Central America, Costa Rica and Panama ban advertising alcohol in sports.
In Spain, the sale of alcohol at sporting events is not allowed. However, some sources mention that alcohol is served in cafe-bars inside stadiums in the lower leagues, such as the Segunda B or Tercera Division. In addition, one source mentions that containers are allowed inside stadiums if they are less than 500 ml and do not have a lid, but glass containers and cans are not permitted.
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Pre-game drinking locations
If you're looking for pre-game drinks before a La Liga game, your best bet is to head to the streets surrounding the stadium. That's where the supporters usually gather to enjoy some beers and soak up the pre-game atmosphere, especially for knockout round matches. You can also check out the nearby restaurants and bars, which often have a lively atmosphere on match days. For example, for a game at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, there is a restaurant on the east side of the stadium with a bar that serves beer.
In general, it's worth noting that match ticket prices, food, and drinks tend to be cheaper in La Liga compared to leading clubs in the Premier League. All La Liga clubs offer the option to book tickets directly through their official websites, which are often available in English. Planning ahead is recommended, as some games sell out quickly, especially when a smaller club is hosting one of the bigger teams.
If you're looking to explore beyond the big clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid, the lower leagues such as the Segunda B or Tercera Division offer a rewarding experience. The small grounds often have great cafe-bars inside, where you can enjoy a beer with local cuisine while watching the game. You might even be given VIP treatment at these smaller clubs, simply because they're not used to having foreign fans and visitors!
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Drinking inside La Roselada stadium
La Roselada Stadium, also known as Estadio La Roselada, is a 29,000-capacity football stadium in Málaga, Spain. It is the home of Málaga Club de Fútbol, which plays in La Liga, Spain's top football league.
If you're hoping to drink beer inside La Roselada Stadium, unfortunately, you're out of luck. The sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited inside Spanish stadiums and other sports venues. However, this doesn't stop thousands of fans from gathering outside the stadium to enjoy a beer or two before the game. There are plenty of bars near the stadium where you can soak up the pre-game atmosphere, such as Kiosco Fernando, which is located directly in front of the main entrance. Another popular spot is to the east of the stadium, where the Guiri Army (the foreign supporters of Málaga CF) meet near Bar Nataly.
While you can't drink beer inside La Roselada Stadium, there are still plenty of options for food and drink within the stadium. The stadium has a range of concession stands and cafes, offering everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international options. It's worth noting that while containers under 500 ml without lids are generally allowed inside the stadium, glass containers and cans are not permitted for safety reasons.
If you're planning to drive to the stadium, you may be able to find free parking in the La Rosaleda Shopping Centre Car Park, just a couple of hundred meters away. Alternatively, there is usually plenty of street parking available in the surrounding area. Just be sure to plan your visit carefully, as the Spanish Football Association only releases information about televised games one week in advance, and you'll want to ensure you're in Málaga for your chosen match.
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La Liga ticket purchasing
La Liga is one of the most attractive leagues in Europe, with some of the world's best players. If you're planning to buy tickets for a La Liga match, here's a detailed guide to help you with the process:
Where to Buy La Liga Tickets
The easiest and most convenient way to purchase La Liga tickets is through the official channels, which means visiting the home team's website and buying tickets online. All La Liga clubs offer ticket pages on their official websites, allowing you to buy directly from them and avoid paying higher prices through third-party ticketing agencies. Many of these official club websites are available in English as well, making it accessible for international fans.
Planning Ahead
While it is possible to get tickets on matchdays at the stadium, it is always a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you want to guarantee tickets for popular matches. Some games sell out very quickly, especially when a smaller club hosts one of the bigger teams, like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the home team's official website for ticket sales and availability.
Ticket Sales Dates
The timing of ticket sales can vary from club to club. Some clubs release tickets to the general public in the week of the match, while others do so once the kick-off date and time are confirmed, usually around a month in advance. A few clubs even allow you to buy tickets further in advance before the fixture details are finalized.
Rayo Vallecano Tickets
Rayo Vallecano is the only club in La Liga that does not sell tickets online, which can be inconvenient. If you're already in Madrid, it is best to visit their ticket office at the Estadio Vallecas a day or two before the game to purchase tickets directly.
Camp Nou Redevelopment
Until late 2024, FC Barcelona will be playing their home games at the city's old Olympic Stadium on Montjuic Hill due to the redevelopment of Camp Nou. The stadium has a reduced capacity, and tickets may be easier to come by during this period.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices can vary depending on the fixture and the club. The average starting ticket price for a La Liga match is in the €30-50 range for adults, with discounts usually available for children and seniors. For the "big three" clubs of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, you can expect to pay at least €50 for a home game. Prices can shoot up to over €100 for big matches, local derbies, and important end-of-season games.
Buying Tickets in Advance
If you're planning a trip to Spain specifically for a La Liga match, you may want to consider buying tickets in advance. However, this can be challenging due to the late release of tickets. Additionally, La Liga kick-off dates and times are usually only confirmed about a month before each match, making travel planning tricky.
Language Barrier
While most clubs have English language options on their websites, there may still be a language barrier when purchasing tickets at the stadium on matchdays. It is generally simpler to buy tickets online and download them to your mobile device.
ID Requirements
When purchasing tickets online, you may be asked to provide your DNI or NIE. If you are not a Spanish resident, you can enter your passport number instead. While clubs may state that identity documents are required for stadium entry, in practice, you will likely only need to present your match ticket.
Stadium Tours and Museums
Many clubs offer stadium tours and have small museums that you can visit. This can enhance your experience and provide insight into the club's history.
In summary, buying La Liga tickets is generally a straightforward process, with most clubs offering online ticket sales in English. Planning ahead, being flexible with travel plans, and keeping an eye on ticket sales dates will increase your chances of securing tickets for your desired match.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks are prohibited inside Spanish stadiums and other sports venues.
Outside drinks are not allowed inside the stadium. However, containers less than 500 ml and without a lid are permitted.
Yes, thousands gather in the surroundings of the stadium to drink before the game. For example, at La Roselada stadium in Malaga, fans recommend Kiosco Fernando, which is just in front of the main entrance.
Some stadiums have restaurants with bars, such as the Santiago Bernabéu, which has a restaurant on the east side that serves beer.
Yes, food and drink are generally cheaper at La Liga games compared to leading clubs in the Premier League.
