Post: Bilbao hotel prices rise 900%, beer and beverage prices double

May 22 Post reported that beer consumption reveals how Manchester United and Tottenham fans spend in Bilbao, and fans were warned earlier this month that they could encounter shocking alcoholic beverage prices in the Spanish city.

Previously, as two English teams advanced to the semi-finals, hotel accommodation costs in Bilbao rose by as much as 900%. Local bars and restaurants have been urged not to sell a pint of beer for €10 as they did in the 2018 European Rugby Cup final. Kepa Loyzaga, a representative of the Basque Consumer and User Organization, called on merchants to consider the image Bilbao has shown to the world. The warning seemed to be taken seriously, with a receipt showing the price of alcohol in the city. Fans can buy 40cl beer for 5 euros (about £4.20), while a liter of beer called "katxi" costs 10 euros (about £8.40).

However, these prices have doubled by the arrival of Manchester United and Tottenham fans. Mixed beverages, including rum or whiskey, cost 9 euros (about £7.60), water costs 2 euros (about £1.60), while non-alcoholic beer, cola and tonic water costs 3.50 euros (about £2.90). Fans must also purchase a non-refundable €1 (about £0.80) reusable cup. Before the game, fans enjoyed the final atmosphere in various areas of the city. It is estimated that a total of about 80,000 fans from both teams have flocked to the city. Surrounded by stylish bars and restaurants, the picturesque square specializes in the Spanish Basque snacks Pintxos. Tottenham fans gathered in the Posas section, not far from the San Mames Stadium, which will host the final. Both Premier League clubs have received 15,000 final tickets, but are expected to have about 50,000 fans, many of whom are Tottenham supporters, which poses a huge security challenge to the organizers. Police set up three safety lines around the San Mames Stadium, which can accommodate 53,000 people, to ensure that no ticket fans are inaccessible and closed all surrounding roads.

Spurs and Manchester United fans will also enter the stadium through different routes. The city center of Bilbao is actually divided into two parts, one side is the Tottenham fan zone and the other side is the Manchester United fan zone. A giant screen has also been set up so that fans without tickets can watch the game. Bingen Zuperia, a security adviser to the Basque government, said the security operation was the largest in the history of the Basque region. Some local residents complained about the behavior of England fans in Spanish cities, and some told the Daily Mail website that these fans only want to drink and cause trouble.