After over 60 years of decorating Bilbao's skyline, the arch over main stand of Athletic's stadium was demounted yesterday. It will now be dismantled and transferred outside the city.

Preparations began shortly after dawn yesterday and on 1pm local time the operation began. Once it started, taking down the steel arch from two concrete supports over west stand of San Mamés took roughly 5 minutes. It was carried out simultaneously by giant 8 cranes.

Once set in the place of former football pitch, the structure will now be dismantled and transferred to Lezama, town outside Bilbao, where Athletic has its headquarters. This is where the iconic element will be located now.

Its history begins back in 1952, when it was first mounted to cover the west stand of 'La Catedral'. At that time the steel arch was one of the most unique structures used in football stadia globally and has since became the symbol of Bilbao's stadium, now being demolished to make way for new one.

No wonder the operation was watched by hundreds of Athletic supporters from nearby streets.

Fot: Athletic Club

Fot: Athletic Club

Fot: Athletic Club

Fot: Athletic Club

Fot: Athletic Club