The Astelena fronton in Eibar is set to reopen for professional pelota after a five-month hiatus. The last match held at the Eibar court was on Reyes Day, featuring a First Category Doubles Championship match between Altuna III-Ezkurdia and Peio Etxeberria-Rezusta, which concluded with a 22-15 victory for the former. Since then, the venue has been silent.
The ownership of the venue, traditionally managed by the company Aspe, transferred to Bainet – which also encompassed Baiko Pilota – in November. This transaction was publicly announced on January 19th during a press conference by Fernando Vidarte, the then-owner of the promoter. The break extends until this Wednesday, the San Juan holiday, a customary date for the Astelena.
Today's schedule promises to be engaging. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with a match between Ezkurdia-Gabirondo and Laso-Landa. The main event will feature Darío Gómez and Javier Zabala competing in the San Fermín Four and a Half tournament. Ticket sales began on Monday, with approximately 750 tickets remaining.
Pelota Pro Liga had only scheduled its four fixed annual events at the fronton: San Andrés (November 30th), Christmas, New Year's Day, and Reyes Day. In the previous season, 2024-25, Eibar played a more significant role, hosting four additional matches, including playoff games for the semi-finals.
Regarding the Four and a Half tournament, both Aspe and Baiko scheduled two matches in 2024 and 2025. One of these was the semi-final between Altuna III and Laso, a highly significant encounter.
The situation at the Bizkaia fronton in Bilbao is also noteworthy, as it has not hosted Pelota Pro Liga events since the acotado final on November 16th. Works on the roof to address leaks appear to have reduced the number of professional pelota matches held there. Consequently, the Torneo Bizkaia team championship will not take place this season due to uncertainty about the completion of the repairs. However, the Provincial Council and the companies aim for this to be a temporary cessation.
Altuna III, one of the leading figures in professional pelota, has stated during the Manomanista that they are playing in "strange frontons." He believes the Manomanista, akin to the Champions League, should be played in major frontons, expressing disappointment over the lack of matches in venues like Eibar or Tolosa, despite acknowledging their importance.
