11/11/2026

José María Garzón reflects on his first year at Seville’s Maestranza: 267,000 spectators and new challenges for 2027

José María Garzón has given a positive assessment of his first year in charge of the Royal Maestranza Bullring in Seville, following a 2026 season that attracted 267,000 spectators, recorded a 24.6% increase in season ticket holders and laid the foundations for several new projects aimed at further strengthening the Seville bullring.

The businessman acknowledged that taking responsibility for managing one of the world's most prestigious bullrings had been an extraordinary experience, although more demanding than he had initially expected. “It has been an impressive experience,” he said, reflecting on the pressure he has faced during his first season in Seville.

“If someone asked me what advice I would give José María Garzón now, I would tell him to enjoy it more,” he explained. He admitted that his constant pursuit of excellence and the responsibility of running the Maestranza had brought moments of considerable tension and many sleepless nights.

Despite the difficulties, his overall assessment is positive: “It has been a very good season in Seville. Obviously, there have been mistakes, and we need to improve them.”

The Maestranza attracts 267,000 spectators in 2026

One of the most significant figures in Garzón’s assessment has been the response from the public. During the 2026 season, the Royal Maestranza welcomed 267,000 spectators across its 30 bullfighting events.

The programme consisted of 18 bullfights, six novillada events with picadors, four novillada events without picadors, one rejoneo event and one special bullfighting festival.

Garzón also highlighted the increase in season ticket holders, which rose by 24.6% compared with the previous season, representing 903 additional subscribers. This is a particularly significant achievement for the businessman, who thanked the fans and his entire team for their confidence and hard work.

Garzón aims to increase season ticket holders by 15% to 20% in 2027

Looking ahead to next season, José María Garzón intends to continue expanding the bullring's season ticket membership.

His target is to achieve growth of between 15% and 20% in season ticket holders during 2027. He has also announced an expansion of the youth season ticket scheme, with between 150 and 200 additional places aimed at younger fans.

The businessman believes that making the Maestranza more accessible to younger generations is essential to securing the future of bullfighting in Seville.

A livestock challenge bullfight and new developments in novillada events

Regarding the livestock programme, Garzón has revealed some of the new features being considered for 2027. One of the main proposals is a livestock challenge bullfight featuring bulls from two different breeders, although the participating ranches have not yet been confirmed.

He has also confirmed that the programme will include two novillada events featuring bulls from Talavante's breeding operation and one from Domingo Hernández.

The businessman acknowledged that the quality of some of the 2026 novillada events fell short of expectations and accepted that the selection of livestock needs to improve.

“We have to be self-critical and recognise that we need to make a better selection,” he said, expressing his intention to offer greater guarantees in these events aimed at promoting emerging bullfighters.

San Miguel Fair could feature five events in 2027

Another proposal currently being considered by the company is to expand the San Miguel Fair to five events, potentially bringing its opening forward to Wednesday.

The idea is still under consideration, although Garzón has expressed his interest in continuing to strengthen Seville's September bullfighting programme.

The aim is to gradually consolidate the Maestranza's calendar, introducing new features that will maintain the interest of bullfighting fans.

The Maestranza to host a charitable Christmas event on 27 December

Among the announcements made was also a special initiative scheduled for 27 December.

The Royal Maestranza will open its doors for a family-friendly Christmas event with a bullfighting theme. Admission will be free, with voluntary donations going to the Food Bank.

The event will take place in the bullring and will feature a representation of the Holy Family, accompanied by five traditional horse-drawn carts and animals associated with the world of bull breeding.

Garzón explained that this is a Christmas initiative with its own distinctive identity, designed to bring the bullring closer to families in Seville and keep the venue active beyond the traditional bullfighting season.

“My passion comes before financial considerations”: Garzón commits to further investment in Seville

During the more personal part of his speech, the businessman admitted that he still becomes emotional whenever he looks at the Maestranza from its seating areas.

Garzón stressed that his passion and commitment to the bullring come before the financial and personal difficulties involved in managing a venue of this importance.

“My passion comes before all of this and before financial considerations. That is why we will continue investing,” he stated, while also acknowledging that profitability remains necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the business.

José María Garzón now faces his second year in charge of the Royal Maestranza in Seville with the challenge of consolidating spectator and season ticket holder growth, improving livestock selection and presenting an attractive programme for 2027. A first year that he has described as impressive and which, despite the enormous responsibility, he continues to experience as a dream come true.

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