Barcelona is a place that is known for its arts, architecture, and, of course, sports. All kinds of sports thrive in this city, from football to hockey to basketball. It has a lot of stadiums, but they are more than just places to hold events and shows. They show the city’s rich culture history and love of sports. These venues are now an important part of what makes the city what it is. Let’s look more closely at Stadiums in Barcelona to learn about their past and what makes them different from the others.
It is the capital of Catalonia, Spain, and a city on the northeast coast of the Iberian peninsula. Every year, more than 5 million people go to Barcelona, which is a hot spot for sports fans.
Fans of football go there a lot because that’s where the FC Barcelona team plays. But Barcelona is known for more than just sports. Such as art venues that show the work of Picasso and Dali, who are both very well-known artists.
It’s important to remember that it’s a hot city with mild winters. So April through June or September through November are the best times to go. But if you want to see the Beaches, you should plan a trip between June and August.
Let’s start right away on a journey to see the best Stadiums in Barcelona.
List Of 8 Best Stadiums In BarcelonaÂ
1. Camp Nou
The full name of Camp Nou is Estadi del Futbol Club Barcelona, which directly translates to FC Barcelona stadium.
It was first inaugurated in 1957, with a seating of 99,000. Camp Nou is very easily accessible by fans and visitors due to its location in Les Corts. This stadium was originally built to replace Barcelona’s previous stadium, Les Corts.
It is the largest stadium in Europe.
This venue has been the site of a lot of important events. For instance, the 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 1992 Summer Olympics, and the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. El Clásico, the biggest game between Barça and Real Madrid, is also played at Camp Nou.
The stadium has held more than just football games. It has also been the site of many famous rugby games and concerts. The FC Barcelona museum, which shows the club’s past and achievements, is also open to the public. People can also touch and play with the prizes.
There are also a lot of other things to do nearby, like visiting the Barcelona Museum of Art (MNAC) or Montjuc Park. This club also has an official megastore called Barca Store Camp Nou that sells FC Barcelona merchandise.
Camp Nou is a popular place for tourists to visit. Guided tours of the field are available. Like Locker Rooms, Press Rooms, and Player Tunnels. It is a big part of what makes this city unique and proud.
Camp Nou is a must-see if you like football or just want to learn more about the culture of sports.
2. Palau Sant Jordi
Being specially built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. And as it’s Located in Montjuic Hill, so it also offers a great view of the surrounding city. That makes this Stadium a very popular tourist attraction.
This unique oval-shaped stadium with a translucent roof has a seating of 17,000. It also provides a flexible seating plan as it’s also used for other events be it cultural or international.
The Stadium was named after the Great Saint George. “Palau Sant Jordi” means “Saint George Palace”. It was named in honour of Saint George’s bravery as he was martyred as he refused to persecute Christians.
Palau Sant Jordi was specially designed by a famous Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.
Other than football many other indoor sports are played in this stadium. For instance, Basketball, handball, and athletics.
Some of the major events that have taken place here are the 1992 Olympics, 2003 World Aquatic Championships, and 2010 European Athletics Championships.
Cultural events such as the 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures and the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards. Not only this but many international artists’ concerts have taken place here.
In addition to the main hall, It has many other Meeting rooms & Exhibition spaces for conferences and trade shows. This stadium also provides a restaurant and gym for the players.
It is very easily accessible for the locals and tourists by public transport such as metro and bus. In conclusion, Palau Sant Jordi is a very versatile Arena.
3. Olympic Stadium
Built in 1992 for the Summer Olympics this huge sports venue has a seating capacity of 60,000 for spectators and is located on the top of Monjüïc, Spain.
It is a Multipurpose venue where apart from the Olympics track and field competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, concerts, and music festivals are also held there which attracts a lot of tourism.
This stadium was designed by the architect “Pere Doméneich I Roura“.Additionally, the Spanish Cup final and World roller hockey championship have taken place here.
The memorable event of lighting the Olympic calls on by the Paralympic Archer Antonio Rebello during the opening ceremony was also held in this arena.
The Olympic stadium has been a part of many movies and ads which makes it very iconic.
Stadium’s famous Torch Tower at the Olympic Stadium is a popular symbol that draws people from all over the world.
The stadium for the Olympics is part of the larger Olympic Ring complex, which also includes the Palau Sant Jordi. After the Olympics, the FC Barcelona football team moved into the Olympic stadium for a short time while Nou camp was being fixed up.
The view is great from the top of the hill. You can also visit the Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia when you take a tour of this venue.
Tourists who want to look around the arena and learn more about its past can take a guided tour. Here, people are proud of Barcelona’s Olympic history.
4. Estadi Johan Cruyff
First inaugurated on August 27, 2019, this small stadium of approx. 6,000 seats were named after the legendary football player Johan Cruyff who used to play for FC Barcelona and after retirement, he became their coach. It is located in Sant Joan DespÃ, Barcelona.
Situated on the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the training ground of FC Barcelona. The distance is about 7 km from Camp Nou stadium.
This stadium was Primarily used by team B of FC Barcelona as well as the women’s team along with the youth teams it also provides press rooms, VIP boxes and a scoreboard.
Some of the major events that have taken place in this arena are the 2010 final of the Copa Catalunya, and the UEFA women’s champions league final in 2019.
Estadi Johan Cruyff is a must-visit stadium for a football enthusiast because it is considered one of the top football stadiums in the whole of Spain.
The stadium offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for the matches which encourages the engagement of the spectators and the players. All spectators can watch their favourite players play from a very close range.
This stadium has played a major role in the growth and success of FC Barcelona’s youth academy. In a very short period, it has become an important part of FC Barcelona’s legacy and history.
5. RCDE Stadium
This huge stadium is also known as Estadi Cornellá-El-Prat. It is an all-seater football stadium which is located in the southwest on the outskirts of Cornella de Llobregat and El Prat de Llobregat in the city’s urban area.
Additionally, it has a seating capacity of 40,000 people making it the 10th largest stadium in the whole and the 3rd largest in Catalonia. The approximate time was 3 years to complete and was Inaugurated in 2009.
RCDE stadium is the home of the RCD espanõl team. The stadium’s inaugural match was played between RCDE and Liverpool in 2009.
Some of the most important events that have happened here are the Copa Del Rey final in 2014, the Sevilla FC in 2015, and the women’s USA national league in 2019.
Not only does this stadium host sports games but it is also known for big culture and music events. There are restaurants and food and drink courts, as well as rooms for news conferences and boxes for VIPs.
For a short time in July 2014, it was called “Power8 Stadium” because of a promotion. Aeroport de Barcelona-El-Prat is the closest airport. But you can also take a taxi from the centre of Barcelona to this venue. About 25 minutes is all it takes to get to the field.
A guided stadium walk, which usually lasts an hour and costs up to 10 euros per person, can be booked by visitors. The tour also stops at the RCDE museum, which tells the team’s story and shows off its accomplishments.
RCDE stadium is a nice-looking, modern sports pitch. It has many things that can help people get the most out of their day.
6. Camp Municipal Narcis Sala
A stadium which can hold just over 6,500 people, was built in the 1970s where the old Camp de la Carretera de Horta used to be. It is where CE Europa is based. Since it is in the Gracia neighbourhood, it is easy to get there by metro, bus, or taxi.
Copa Catalunya in 2002 and the final of Copa Federacion in 2007 are two big events that have been held in this building. Besides sports events, there are also concerts and theatre shows there.
There are many meeting rooms, VIP boxes, scoreboards, restaurants, and stands that sell food and drinks in addition to the main hall. The football field is near a lot of very interesting things to visit, such as the Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera – Casa Milà , etc.
Also, it is known for having fans who are supportive and a lively atmosphere. It’s a nice place with friendly people.
7. Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys
Located in Nella OlÃmpica in Montjuïc, This stadium falls under the City Council of Barcelona. With a seating capacity of almost 50000, it’s the 6th largest stadium in Barcelona and the 2nd largest in Catalonia.
It was built by the famous architect Pere DoméneichIi Roura in 1927, originally for the 1929 international exposition. Since it has a running track, it’s an ideal stadium for Athletics.
It was named after Catalan Politician LluÃs Companys who was the president of Catalonia during the Spanish civil war.
It’s home to the Catalonia National football team. This stadium has served as a home to RCDE (1997-2009) and Barcelona Dragons (1991- 2001). It also serves as a multipurpose venue and is well-known for top-class sports events.
Not only sports events but other cultural events like concerts, Festa Dels Súper, and Monster Jab.
Not only football but other sports like Rugby, Athletics, Motor Sports, Boxing, Hockey and baseball etc are also played there.
Some of the major events that have taken place there are the 1992 Summer Olympics, NFL’s American Bowl in 1993 and 1994 and opening ceremonies like the Rugby match between Spain and Italy, and a friendly football match between Catalan National Team and Bolton.
It is well connected to the city’s transportation system so it’ll be very easy for you to reach there. A food and drinks court is available for the spectators. The atmosphere at this arena is very cozy and welcoming, you will enjoy your time there.
8. Nou Sardenya
A municipally owned football stadium. located in the Gracia district and was built in 1940, but previously it was named Sardenya, only after the renovations in 1995 it was renamed Nou Sardenya.
It has a seating capacity of 7000 people only, it’s a very small stadium as compared to other stadiums in Barcelona. CE Europa is the primary tenant of Nou Sardenya.
Previously it was the home of the Football club CF Damm and is owned by Barcelona City Council. Due to its small size, not many big events are hosted there but due to its location in a lively Grácia district, the atmosphere is very nice, attracting fans from all over the world.
There are many other places to explore around the stadium, you will surely have a good time there. In the meantime, you can visit other tourist attractions like the La Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona.
Despite its small size, it holds a major significance in preserving the heritage of local football and its connection to the Gracia District.
Conclusion
The city of Barcelona is known not only for its beauty and rich history but also for its love of sports. All of the people who live in Barcelona are very friendly and helpful.
Every venue in this city has a long and important history. Camp Nou, the biggest stadium, was one of the most important sports venues, hosting events like the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 UEFA Champions League final.
Here, people play a lot of games, not just football. The Palau Sant Jordi is well-known for its unusual oval shape and for hosting the famous 1992 Summer Olympics. From this venue, you can also see beautiful views of the city’s surroundings.
The track route at Estadi Olmpic LluÃs Companys is very important for sports events where Athletics is done. Even though Nou Sardenya is small, it is a very important part of the past of local football and its connection to the Gracia District.
Camp Municipal Narcis Sala is well-known for having a lively scene and fans who care about the team. The brand-new RCDE stadium has new technology and perks for both the players and the fans, which brings in a lot of Tourism.
Each stadium has something to do with what makes Barcelona what it is, from Camp Nou’s size and beauty to Palau Sant Jordi’s flexibility and the Olympic Stadium’s historical value. You can learn a lot about Barcelona’s sports culture by visiting these places, whether you’re a football fan or just interested in the city’s sports scene in general.
Your Opinion On Stadiums In Barcelona
Have you ever visited any of these stadiums? If you have any stories to share about your experience please comment down. Your feedback is very important.
Here are some more recommendations for things to do in Barcelona.