I was in Barcelona for ten days at the end of November, and made a point of visiting both the major stadia. I was at Camp Nou last Saturday (to see Ronaldinho score with a spectacular bicycle kick) and went on the excellent stadium tour the next day, but was a bit let down to find that I couldn't get into the Olympic Stadium (which I had read was free to enter) as there's a lot of work going on at the moment.

From what I can see, they're stripping away all the sandstone(?) exterior and recladding it with large stone panels:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q85/CharlieP1973/cp20061129101435_1600x1200.jpg

(for reference, the photo is of the join between the stand behind the north goal and the unroofed side stand - the far end of that side stand from the corner in the foreground of this photo):

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q85/CharlieP1973/cp20061129103205_1600x1200.jpg

Does anybody know more about what's going on? Will there be an external finish applied on top of this stone cladding?

Barcelona will host the 2010 European Athletics Championships. I believe the stadium is being renovated (including new seats) for that purpose.

Wonder what is gonna happen when Espanyol moves to their new stadium.
Just another white .... ?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2287647826_e8190de822_b.jpg
bigger one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aldask/2287647826/sizes/o/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/433138643_30c8d50cbf_b.jpg
bigger one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgomez/433138643/sizes/o/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/423216147_a0abb114d0_o.jpg

Will the new gray stone panels mess up the existing exterior facade of the stadium?

Presumably there'll be an outer coat applied.

^^ There should be an outer coat applied to the tacky stone facade. I hate it when they try to alter the exterior on post #4.

I'm looking for pictures of the stadium before the 1992 Olympics renovations.

Anybody has any pictures of the stadium in its original state?

very nice stadium

This is probably my favorite Olympic stadium. Named after a great man as well.

it is not modern but a true classic stadium...

This is probably my favorite Olympic stadium. Named after a great man as well. It's a shame that a team like Espanyol which represents Catalonia in all the wrong ways plays there.....

I thought this thread is about a football stadium not about politics...:bash:

^^
You're right. I changed my post, apologies....

what was its capacity at Olympics in 1992?

The same as today, around 55,000. Rather smallish even back in 1992 but because Barcelona is the home town of Samaranch this was no biggie (which is fine by me because it is a gorgeous place).

What will happen to the stadium after Espanyol moves? Will it have any other uses?

The same as today, around 55,000. Rather smallish even back in 1992 but because Barcelona is the home town of Samaranch this was no biggie (which is fine by me because it is a gorgeous place).

It is a bit mysterious the capacity of the stadium during 1992 olympics, some sources state 70.000 yet the stadium is exactly the same as during the games. So where did those 15.000 seats go? I have read that original plans were to use temporary stands to get the capacity up to 80.000 but that never happend obviously.

^^
You're right. I changed my post, apologies....

Ok, no problem, it´s just that if a discussion about politics is started here it would ruin this thread about a fantastic an historic stadium ;)

I know it was used for american football a couple of years ago but since Barcelona has no team anymore I have no idea about about it`s future usage

like the outside but to me to me the inside looks to be pretty subpar. No armrest for seats, some of the sightlines look horrible in the corners for athletics. I really question those that deride Atlanta's Olympic stadium which had good seats and decent sightlines and then praise this.

I'm looking for pictures of the stadium before the 1992 Olympics renovations.

Anybody has any pictures of the stadium in its original state?


The exterior is the original from 1929, the interior was completely refurbished. They removed everything and dug down 11 meters.

In this youtube clip you can se the stadium during the renovation, the old stand is visible 9 seconds into the clip. It looked the same for the whole lap, two tiers, upper tier didn't have an overhang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfwauvXvc-E

Here is an interior shot of the stadium as it looked before the renovation
http://bp1.blogger.com/_7qrGCA_TyEs/RziYRltpqNI/AAAAAAAAADI/gjYcr_MCVBE/s1600-h/Pict0004.JPG

and one more here
http://bp3.blogger.com/_7qrGCA_TyEs/RzieeFtpqSI/AAAAAAAAADw/nQN12mz-DEQ/s1600-h/Pict0009.JPG

one more shot here
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/historiaperica/la%20muntanya%20maleida/montjuic001.jpg

does the stadium have a central location in the city?

The exterior is the original from 1929, the interior was completely refurbished. They removed everything and dug down 11 meters.

In this youtube clip you can se the stadium during the renovation, the old stand is visible 9 seconds into the clip. It looked the same for the whole lap, two tiers, upper tier didn't have an overhang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfwauvXvc-E

Here is an interior shot of the stadium as it looked before the renovation
http://bp1.blogger.com/_7qrGCA_TyEs/RziYRltpqNI/AAAAAAAAADI/gjYcr_MCVBE/s1600-h/Pict0004.JPG

and one more here
http://bp3.blogger.com/_7qrGCA_TyEs/RzieeFtpqSI/AAAAAAAAADw/nQN12mz-DEQ/s1600-h/Pict0009.JPG

one more shot here
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/historiaperica/la%20muntanya%20maleida/montjuic001.jpg

cuando se toman fotos o información de una página protegida por una licencia hay que citarla al menos
un poco de clase

blog del que se han copiado las fotos: http://olimpismo2007.blogspot.com

Were there extra seats at the '92 Olympics or was the capacity 55k as now?

70,000 during the olympics

I remember the exterior of a stadium was in bad condition when I visited it 2 years ago. I'm glad they are going to repair it 'cause it is really beautifull stadium.

I also have to say that no football stadium (for football use only) can compare to olympic oval style stadium. Stadiums with running tracks are much more beautifull. At least this is my opinion

does the stadium have a central location in the city?

Central enough. It's on Montjuic hill in a big park -- and they have access escalators to get you to the higher elevations.

does the stadium have a central location in the city?

Here it is: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=gl&ie=UTF8&ll=41.365923,2.155595&spn=0.018616,0.045319&t=k&z=15

Is the stadium's exterior refurbishment finished? If so, what does the exterior look like now?

Since Juan Antonio Samaranch passed away yesterday, this stadium should have been renamed after Samaranch instead of Lluis Companys.

^^ This is one of the most stupid ideas imaginable. You want to change the name of this stadium from Lluis Companys (a man executed by a fascist firing squad) to name it after a fascist called Samaranch! Are you crazy!:nuts:

^^You can't insult Samaranch like that, and don't call me crazy for that, neither. Some users have gotten banned that way. He has passed away, his memorial service has already been held, and he is going to be buried near the stadium. JAS got the Olympics to where it is today. I was one of his supporters.

^^ I'm sorry, but the fact he passed away doesn't erase his trouble past !!!!

Samaranch fascist salute : :ohno:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1637/samaranchfacistsalute.jpg
Juan Antonio Samaranch, pictured three from right, is photographed giving a fascist salute in 1974 (Sapiens Magazine)

^^I am going to throw a fit if you or anyone shows me another photo, this is getting off topic, what about the Olympic Stadium itself?

Hontesly IMO Olímpic de Montjuïc is better.
It hosted the Olympics so it should be called Olympic etc

^^I am going to throw a fit if you or anyone shows me another photo, this is getting off topic, what about the Olympic Stadium itself?

If you can't handle criticism, stop throwing around ridiculous suggestions.

^^It's NOT ridiculous. You're only making this argument worse.

I think its better to discuss Samaranch at the skybar.

i think the stadium looks great in its new shape

....

i think the stadium looks great in its new shape

I'd love to be able to agree with you, but nobody's posted any photos!

From d ha rm e sh on flickr:

http://i40.tinypic.com/dpgtgw.jpg

Does anybody have any pictures of the exterior?

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-16264-imatge/B10colorBAJA%20174%20x%20129.jpg

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-16499-imatge/estadiolimpic.jpg

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-16292-imatge/Voluntaris%20B10.JPG

I like the facade!

BEAUTIFUL STADIUM!! MORE PICS PLEASEEE

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianbru/3781411871/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbell1975/4061621213/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixilla/4055673359/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbell1975/4062366624/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4055673555_614fbf2965_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixilla/4055673555/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3623029884_48ae99b1a9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgrenner57/3623029884/

70,000 during the olympics

Capacity was 60,000 during the Olympics. Source, Barcelona report book No 2.

So, the stadium is used just for the concerts now when it doesn't have any permanent tenant?

Capacity was 60,000 during the Olympics. Source, Barcelona report book No 2.

I remember very well its capacity was below 55K (around 50K) during the games, especially due to the press seats, even if one of the 2 grandstands had 4-5 more rows than today !

press seats:
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7098/capturedcran20100516174.jpg


Barcelona '92, Opening ceremony:

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6488/201871558746d3698d4o.jpg http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5194/2018766018a02929a97o.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8230/201872184aaebd1db7co.jpg http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6207/2018745892bc9ca76c6o.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2034/201872147e9bb125bebo.jpg http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3660/2018719193a119728f3o.jpg


l2WVtYcElcs

What kind of events take place in the stadium since Epanyol no longer play there?

Glad they restored the exterior of the Montjuic Stadium. i was worried about the facade at the beginning of this thread.

Glad they restored the exterior of the Montjuic Stadium. i was worried about the facade at the beginning of this thread.

I love the classic exterior of this stadium. I just do notthink the interior is anything special. The end gateway is great though.

http://www.bcn2010.org/imgfiles/Front/imgs/logoBCN2010.png
20th European Athletics Championships 26 Jul - 6 Aug

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-17069-imatge/Alcalde%204.jpg

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-16990-imatge/Barcelona.JPG

http://www.bcn2010.org/files/13-17079-imatge/Tecno%203%20peque.jpg

http://www.bcn2010.org/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4815006258_0ae2c5e625_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mishailin/4815006258/

A truly beautiful stadium. Was this a new construction stadium or an ampliation and a remodelation of an older one?

^^Sir, this stadium is the reuse of an old stadium's historic facade combined with a new seating bowl.

What kind of events take place in the stadium since Epanyol no longer play there?

Athletics and concerts, sometimes Andorra's national team when they have a glamorous opponent like England.

LIVE NOWW OPENING CEREMONY

BARCELONA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

http://www.rtve.es/deportes/europeo-atletismo/directo/

The use of the word 'Barcelona' on the track, is that permanent or just for the opening? That will be a real annoyance in regards to land position, when you run, as it makes it hard to see the markings.

Its a great stadium.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4833535687_e6b718e0b0_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jupana/4833535687/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4833538141_e69e10445c_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jupana/4833538141/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4833551573_ccac6e22b1_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jupana/4833551573/

The exterior is awesome.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4835806342_d516271cd9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4835806342/in/set-72157624472398249/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4835196673_a7461d5920_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4835196673/in/set-72157624472398249/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4835196277_2c0334a786_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4835196277/in/set-72157624472398249/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4835265643_2b6515f13e_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4835265643/in/set-72157624472398249/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4835255443_2232976156_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4835255443/in/set-72157624472398249/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4838114602_4df00a26a2_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/european-athletics/4838114602/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4838114350_ae6e69fbac_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/european-athletics/4838114350/

Crowds have been low for the sessions so far. Is that a concern to the organisers there?

It looks like the stadium is too big and needs a downsizing in future.

Love the new blue track though :)

^^We're not downsizing this stadium, especially to its pre-1992 capacity. It has 55,000 seats, remember?

^^We're not downsizing this stadium, especially to its pre-1992 capacity. It has 55,000 seats, remember?

The point I was making is that tit seems incredibly hard to fill these days, with no based Football team and Athletics being a minor sport. The bottom Tier around most of the satium, and the 2nd tier in the covered part, would be sufficient enough.

Its a great stadium, just concerned about its viability in the longer term at its current size.

Are those upper tiers where we can read "Barcelona" and "2010" closed? Cause today the stadium was packed and those stands were empty...giving the idea that if they were open they would also be full.

Are those upper tiers where we can read "Barcelona" and "2010" closed? Cause today the stadium was packed and those stands were empty...giving the idea that if they were open they would also be full.

Crowds for the night sessions have definately been much better over the last few days.

There were still ample room left on the bottom tier and 2nd level around before opening those spots I would suspect.

Unfortunatelly athletics have never been a crowd magnet....

Two quick questions;

1. Why are the curved stands shaped oddly?

2. Where were the extra seats located in the stadium for the olympics in '92?

Unfortunatelly athletics have never been a crowd magnet....

Athletics as an event is too disjointed and does not flow enough to be very successful unfortunately. I love the sport, but as a product there is just too much going on, people juts get confused.

Great hosting of the European Champs Barcelona! Your marathon course was also great, giving a very good view of all of the city.

Two quick questions;

1. Why are the curved stands shaped oddly?

2. Where were the extra seats located in the stadium for the olympics in '92?

Great questions.

I was wondering that myself. Were those the seats added for the '92 games maybe? I am not sure.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4846642751_8db3cf194d_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecyrus/4846642751/in/set-72157624499036425/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecyrus/4847247148/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecyrus/4847248984/in/set-72157624499036425/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4845050252_d85a0187de_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4845050252/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4844429049_92554819b9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/germania07duerwissleichtathletik/4844429049/

This has got to be one of the most stadiums ever!

It deserves a new complete roof.

This is my second favorite olympic stadium (after the Spiros Louis Stadium)

ERC H Cup, Quarter-Finals (100% French....but played in Spain :cheers:)

The French rugby team of Perpignan (a town located 200km away From Barcelona in the French Catalonia) decided to host this game in Spain because its own stadium is too small for that kind of matches...Just like the two French Basque rugby clubs who are accustomed to move their big matches in the Spanish Basque country (at the Estadio Anoeta in Donostia).


Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignanais (Perpignan/USAP) vs Rugby Club Toulonnais (Toulon/RCT) | 04/09/11 | attendance 55,000.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9501/dsc00518copie.jpg

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http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3972/perpignanjoiehcup090411.jpg
Picasaweb



Oh, and apparently Perpignan wanted to host this game (+ one of its Top 14 match) at the Camp Nou....but the FC Barcelona's coach said NO.... because of the pitch...:ohno: :(... BUT, anyway: The Catalan solidarity (between the FCB and USAP) worked very well for this game at Montjuic ! :yes:

Ronaldinho had been memory .I like Barcelona and majestic stadium

First of all, awesome Rugby kit! Reminds me of the exterior from the proposal for Camp Nou.

Great to see the Olympic Stadium full to capacity again, when I visited Barcelona I passed this arena in a bus on route to the Fountains show. I grabbed my camera on the way past the enterance and got a very lucky snap of the interior through the arch way. Not bad for a random snap at 50mph in a bus!

...

wow never thought rugby had that many fans in Spain!!!

^^ Those are not Spanish fans, but French fans of the rugby club of Perpignan (a French Catalan town located 200 km away from Barcelona over the French-Spanish border). The pics were taken during a game against another French rugby team (Toulon, a city near Marseille).

Actually, many French rugby teams are accustomed to move their big games because their own stadiums are generally too small :

Toulon plays its big games at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, the two Parisian rugby teams play them at the Stade de France, the Toulouse rugby team plays at the football stadium of the city, the same for the Rugby team of Lyon who plays at the Stade Gerland (home of the Olympique Lyonnais) etc etc
And, some of the French rugby teams of southern France have to move across the French-Spanish border for their big games: such as the two French Basque teams (Biarritz & Bayonne) who play these games at the football stadium of Donostia/San Sebastian (50km away in the Spanish Basque Country), as well as Perpignan who plays in Barcelona as we can see on the pics above.

^^ just a correction. There are about 150 km in straight line between Barcelona and Perpignan (probably around 200km by road)

^^ Fixed ! ;)

Architecturally this is one of the finest stadiums in the world for me. It really makes the most of its setting high up on the Montjuic, fitting in with the surroundings, and you get fantastic views of the city from up there. I also like the fact the upper tier is much closer instead of following the curvature of the lower tier, because it adds a uniqueness to what is otherwise a fairly standard athletics stadium. Camp Nou might be the greater stadium of the two in terms of world renown and aura, but for me, this one is the greater aesthetic achievement.