A week in the sun in mid-May was an opportunity no one would turn down. I packed my bags, grabbed my passport and sent a warning to the Spanish authorities that the unexpected bright lights they may receive reports of were just my pasty, white Irish legs embracing the sun for the first time in well…forever!
Never one to miss an opportunity before leaving, I checked Futbology for the chance of an RCD Mallorca home game, and the fixture gods provided me with RCD Mallorca v Villarreal.
It should also be noted that a few lower-league games were available, but the opportunity to attend my first La Liga fixture was one I could not pass up.
The next step was research.
How to get there.
How to get a ticket.
Get it booked, make the trip and enjoy the experience.
So here is a quick guide on how to visit, should you be on the island and fancy adding some football to your break.
Tickets
First things first…tickets.
Pleased to report this was a fairly easy and painless experience. I was prepped far enough in advance to buy a ticket via the club’s website and requested notification of when tickets for the game were available by simply entering my email.
On receiving notification of availability, I selected my seat, and I was in!
Pricing at RCD Mallorca varied. I picked up a ticket for 80 euros.
The seat was uncovered and down near one of the corners in the Tribuna Este (Grandstand East), and the Mallorca ultras located behind the goal in the Fondo Sur (South End). Being uncovered, there was a level of heat to contend with, but given the time of year, a cool breeze was never too far away.
I’m not sure how this price compares with other La Liga grounds, as this was my first visit. I felt that, while a little pricey, it was worth it for the experience if nothing else, and it should be stated that there were pricier options available that exceeded the 100 euros mark in certain sections.
Presumably, these prices, much like English Premier League games, may fluctuate depending on the opposition. Tickets for games against Madrid or Barca may cost more if available.
My view though, was excellent, and screens at both ends helped out when visibility became a minor issue.
Getting there
My journey to the ground was fairly straightforward, with two buses getting me within a short walk of the ground. Mallorca is well connected by bus routes, and public transport is incredibly reasonable. I was travelling from Can Picafort in the north of the island to Palma and its large underground TIB bus station.
TIB buses connect most parts of the island to Palma, and from there it was a quick trip to street level and locating the EMT Palma service (line 8 towards Son Roca), and my stop at San Moix, from which the stadium was clearly visible, and the sea of red shirts led me to the stadium entrance.
Both sets of buses offer a tap on tap off system that makes travelling that little bit easier, and also, particularly in the case of the EMT buses, provide clear information in relation to upcoming stops, etc.
The total journey time was roughly two hours, and I still had an hour before kick-off to explore, grab a bite and get some pictures taken.
The ground and the game
Fans mill around the ground before the game, grabbing some food and a little refreshment. The atmosphere was carnival-like despite the real possibility of relegation for Mallorca. Spirits were high, and friends were embracing each other as they made their way up the steps to the relevant entry gates.
The club shop was rammed with tourists and fans alike. Shirts were flying off the shelves, and even for mid-twenties, heat scarves were a big seller. The shop was quite small, and there wasn’t much room to manoeuvre, but I persevered, and yes, a shirt did of course end up in my hand!
Fans on the concourse were welcoming, and I got into several conversations about my visit and chatted with other touring visitors as well as locals.
The game was a great watch, both teams going for it, Mallorca being endlessly cheered on by fans who appreciated every effort to ease their relegation fears.
The energy around the ground was infectious, and I found myself very quickly becoming more and more invested before realising that half-time was approaching. The break allowed for some further refreshments on what was a busy concourse and more conversations with those in the long and winding queues.
By the time the second half wound towards its climax, I found myself wishing for more time to be added on, to prolong my visit. I stood at the game’s end applauding off players as if I’d been a season ticket holder, as I’d become so invested in the game.
The reverse journey took a little longer; traffic outside the ground was heavy and slow-moving, which held back the bus that would return me to Palma. A quick stop for a cortado and I was on my way back to Can Picafort and editing photos, relishing in what I had just experienced.
Yes, the ticket was pricey enough, and the journey was long, but it was worth every moment. I had a great week in Mallorca, but I had a wonderful time at RCD.
€80 is pretty steep! I paid €35 for a game v Cádiz in 2022 and obviously Villarreal are a better team on the pitch but they’re not that much of a draw for fans.
It’s pretty common for clubs in La Liga to not include the games against Madrid and Barcelona in the cost of the season ticket and make fans pay separately for them. That way, if they don’t, there are more tickets available for them to sell at extortionate prices to tourists/the local glory hunters.
Was in palma the same weekend but decided against going to this game as we had previously been in 24 to a game V A Madrid. Although not far from the centre getting back after the evening game was a nightmare as there was one bus per hour. Eventually we got a taxi back. There's quite a few taxis but we found they only wanted fares going further out to the resorts rather then palma. Those stands are steep though!!