La Liga Side Athletic Bilbao To Extend Stadium Cover, Reduce Rain Problems

La Liga side Athletic Bilbao presented the project to extend the cover at San Mamés stadium, according to Nika Cuenca of AS. The work will begin when the La Liga season ends May 15, and "it will allow for a 70% reduction of problems caused by rain." The field will not be able to be used until Aug. 15, meaning the team could have to play Europa League play-in games at another venue. The project was pre-budgeted at a cost of €10.1M ($11.5M), but could rise to €12.6M ($14.4M). Though Athletic is "one of just five clubs that uses the stadium," it will assume the entire cost of the project. Athletic Board Secretary Javier Aldazabal said, "Athletic will cover the cost, like the president said. Understanding the effort that public administrations made, we have to recognize the difficult economic times" (AS, 4/12).