Is Barcelona Olympic Stadium Still Used?

By Michael Ferguson

Barcelona Olympic Stadium, also known as Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The stadium was inaugurated on May 10, 1989, and hosted several events during the Olympics, including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, and football matches. Since then, it has been a landmark of the city of Barcelona.

History of Barcelona Olympic Stadium

The construction of the Barcelona Olympic Stadium started in 1985 and took four years to complete. The stadium was designed by architects Vittorio Gregotti and Pere Domènech i Roura with an aim to create a modern and functional sports complex that could accommodate large audiences.

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 55,000 spectators. It has a unique design with a roof that covers all the seats but leaves the field open to natural light. The roof is supported by four towers that give it an iconic look.

Use of Barcelona Olympic Stadium after Olympics

After the Olympics ended in 1992, there was a question about what would happen to the stadium. Some suggested that it should be demolished since it would no longer serve any purpose. However, others argued that it could be used for other sporting events or concerts.

Eventually, it was decided that the stadium would continue to be used for sporting events and concerts. In fact, it has hosted several high-profile events since then.

Sporting Events

The Barcelona Olympic Stadium has been used for various sporting events over the years. It has hosted several Spanish Cup finals as well as international football matches. It is also used for athletics competitions such as international track and field meets.

In addition to football and athletics events, the stadium has also hosted rugby matches and even American football games.

Concerts

Apart from sporting events, the stadium has also been used for concerts. It has hosted several high-profile music concerts over the years, including performances by Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.

Current State of Barcelona Olympic Stadium

Today, the Barcelona Olympic Stadium is still in use and is considered a major landmark of the city. However, it has undergone several renovations over the years to keep it up-to-date with modern standards.

The latest renovation was completed in 2017, which included upgrading the seating, lighting, and sound systems. It also included adding new facilities such as VIP boxes and a museum dedicated to FC Barcelona.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Barcelona Olympic Stadium is still in use today and continues to be a significant landmark of the city. It has hosted several high-profile sporting events and music concerts over the years. The stadium has undergone several renovations to keep it modern and up-to-date with current standards.