FC Barcelona are entering the final phase of work to adapt Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to club standards. This venue will be Barça's new home until November 2024, due to the construction work underway at Spotify Camp Nou. What work has had to be done on the olympic stadium?

Work to date on the temporary stadium for Barcelona

FC Barcelona is continuing work on the Espai Barça project and the temporary stadium lease agreed with Barcelona City Council. The club began work on upgrading the olympic stadium in December 2022. A number of areas have had to be updated to meet both club, La Liga and European competition requirements. They are now almost ready for the arrival of the Blaugrana's first team in August. The hospitality boxes, VIP area, press boxes, changing rooms and pitch are some of the spaces that have undergone the biggest changes. In addition, the drainage and irrigation systems as well as the water treatment system have been updated, a new water tank has been installed, as well as systems for television broadcasts.

Other work carried out on Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys includes improvements to floodlighting and the initial installation of entrance gates and telecommunications networks. According to the schedule, the second phase of works took place over two windows at Montjuïc, from May 4 to 12 and from June 11 to July 3. During this last window, the opportunity was also taken to complete some of the pending works, such as the installation of TV commentator stands.

© Kuba Kowalski

Final phase of preparing the olympic stadium for the season

Finally, the upgrade works at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will move into the third phase from July 24 until the start of the 2023/24 season. These include works to relocate seating, install VIP area seating and VAR systems, tracking cameras and offside cameras. In addition, gates will be installed and ticket offices and merchandising areas will be created.

Of course, the greatest interest in Catalonia is another construction project - the upgrade of Spotify Camp Nou. One of the most recognisable stadiums in the world has already changed its appearance dramatically, and the construction has even been visited by Joan Laporta. The Blaugrana hope to time the works so that they return to Camp Nou in November 2024. The club's 125th anniversary will fall on that date. The stands of the legendary venue will then most likely seat 70,000 fans.

© Kuba Kowalski