Jesús García Ariño, the winner of two berets, txapelas, as champion hand pelota player (Manomanista), enjoyed the proud moment of hitting the first ball against the black front-wall in this new home for enthusiasts of this sport. The service was returned by Iñaki Gorostiza, another of the province’s famous champions. Then, under the watchful eye of Hilario Azkarate, the champion of champions, with six singles titles, both José Luis Bilbao and Iñaki Azkuna were brave enough to emulate these great figures using equipment that was then autographed and kept as a memento of this magical moment.

“This new fronton will ensure that pelota gains in popularity and experiences a new golden era in Bizkaia”, affirmed Jose Luis Bilbao, the province’s Deputy General.