Bullfighting Alumni Association: University Reunion Event
The Bullfighting Alumni Association Reunion 2026 will take place at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid on Saturday, 16 May 2026, coinciding with the San Isidro Fair period.
This event brings together university alumni groups, cultural associations, and former taurine students to experience a live corrida from coordinated seating sections inside the world’s most prestigious bullring.
Tickets range from €45 to €165, depending on whether you choose sun or shade seating, with most alumni groups booking blocks in Tendido 8–10 on the shadow side.
This reunion matters because it’s more than simply attending a bullfight—it’s a structured group experience where universities and cultural societies can reconnect in a shared seating zone with optional campus-specific seating clusters, pre-event tours, student historian briefings, and curated networking spaces around Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028.
Instead of purchasing tickets individually, attendees can book together through the official platform to ensure coordinated seating and real-time confirmation.
In this guide, you’ll learn how group seating works, how to choose the best sections for visibility and sun comfort, what pricing tiers to expect, booking instructions for alumni associations, and how this event compares to attending a regular San Isidro corrida. You can check available seats for this date through the official ticket platform.
How the Bullfighting Alumni Association Reunion Works
The reunion operates as a ticketed live corrida event that includes group seating blocks, rather than a private performance or academic seminar. The bullfight itself is part of the official San Isidro schedule, and participating groups are seated together in pre-allocated zones coordinated via the main booking system.
The bullring capacity is 23,798 seats, with hospitality and group-friendly areas located primarily in Tendido Bajo and Tendido Sombra. For alumni bookings larger than 20 attendees, organisers often reserve continuous rows so all participants remain in the same seating block rather than being scattered across multiple sections.
What participation includes
- Shared seating blocks for each university chapter
- Tickets with instant confirmation
- Optional backstage tour of Las Ventas Museum (€12 per person)
- Pre-event academic meet-up near Puerta Grande entrance
- Live corrida featuring confirmed matadors from the San Isidro card
You can learn more about general event background at the main website Madrid bullfighting.
Which Sections Are Best for Alumni Groups?
The best seating for this reunion is Tendido 8–10 (shadow side), priced between €95–€165, due to shade coverage and clear sightlines of faena work. Group bookings typically avoid the sun sections (Tendido Sol) because temperatures during May corridas can reach 28–33°C by late afternoon.
Direct recommendation:
For alumni groups, Tendido Sombra in Sections 9 or 10 provides the best balance of visibility, comfort, and coordinated seating availability.
Price comparison by section
Table: Shadow vs Sun Pricing (San Isidro 2026)
| Section | Area | Approx. Price (€) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tendido 9 | Shadow | €120–€165 | University group blocks, premium view |
| Tendido 10 | Shadow | €95–€150 | Balanced price + comfort |
| Tendido 5 | Sun | €45–€70 | Budget seats; less shade |
| Andanada Sol | Upper Sun | €35–€55 | Entry-level student pricing |
If you’re comparing regular bullfights versus this alumni event, you can review typical seasonal pricing in the bullfighting tickets guide.
How Much Do Tickets Cost for the Reunion?
Tickets for this date fall within standard San Isidro pricing. The official Las Ventas box office lists seats from €25 to €180 during the season, but alumni group blocks typically fall between €55 and €165 due to preferred seating zones.
Cost breakdown by audience type
- Student-aligned budget seats: €45–€70 (Sol)
- Group shadow seats: €95–€150 (Sombra Tendido Bajo)
- Premium cultural delegation seating: €150–€165 (Barreras & Contrabarreras)
You can view live pricing for this specific date via the official ticket platform.
Shadow vs Sun Seats for Reunion Attendees
Seats in the shade cost more but provide better comfort, especially when corridas begin at 7:00 PM during May and June and full sun can still hit Sol sections until early evening. Alumni groups usually opt for shade to keep members together.
Why shadow is better for groups:
- Cooler temperatures (up to 8–12°C difference)
- Better angle to observe matador positioning
- Higher availability for grouped seating blocks
Why some students choose sun:
- Cheapest option for large student delegations
- Traditional atmosphere where many local aficionados sit
Comparison Table: Sun vs Shadow
| Factor | Shadow Side | Sun Side |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | €95–€165 | €35–€70 |
| Temperature | Cooler, shaded | Hot, direct sun |
| Group Seats | Higher availability | Limited together |
| View | Better for faena detail | Distant angles |
For full seating diagrams, refer to the Las Ventas seating guide on the official site.
How to Book Group Tickets
Groups of 10+ attendees can coordinate seating blocks through the same booking system as individual buyers, but allocation prioritises contiguous rows. Attendees select seats directly using the interactive map on the booking platform, ensuring shadow or sun preference is reflected in real-time pricing.
Process:
- Select date (16 May 2026).
- Choose seating zone (Sombra recommended).
- Use the map to select continuous rows.
- Confirm and receive tickets instantly by email.
More general scheduling info is available here:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alumni Reunion
Can I attend without being part of an alumni group?
Yes, attendance is open to the public because the reunion is scheduled during a standard San Isidro corrida. The Alumni Association simply coordinates seating for institutions, but individual spectators can purchase tickets for the same date. If you’re not attending with a university group, select seats independently using the ticket map.
Are seats guaranteed together?
Seats are guaranteed in blocks only if purchased in a single transaction. Booking individually under the same institution name does not ensure grouped seating. For best results, one buyer should purchase all seats and distribute them digitally to attendees.
Is this event part of the official San Isidro Fair?
Yes, the reunion date is aligned with the San Isidro Fair. The corrida itself is part of the official programme at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. The reunion aspect is organised independently by participating institutions while sharing the official bullfight card.
Ready to Experience Las Ventas?
This reunion offers a structured way to enjoy a live corrida while reconnecting with fellow alumni in one of the most famous arenas in the world. Shadow seating provides the best comfort and visibility, group bookings ensure coordinated rows, and San Isidro atmosphere elevates the cultural significance.
You can view available seating for the event through the official ticket platform.
Our support team assists English-speaking visitors as well as French, German, and Italian speakers if you need help coordinating group seating.