Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys – stadium description

The Barcelona Olympic Stadium was built in 1927 as part of the city’s preparations to host Expo 1928. Designed with extraordinary care for details and many monumental accents, like towers, large gates, extensive gardens next to it or numerous monuments it resembled a palace more than stadium. It hosted the Mediterranean Games in 1955, but since then was slowly dilapidating.

In 1970’s safety standards for any kind of use were questioned and a decade later refurbishment was announced. Historical facades and surroundings were left untouched, but the stands were built from scratch inside the old bowl. First major event at the new stadium was the 1989 Athletics World Cup, then came 1992 Olympics – event which prompted the redevelopment when granted to the city.

These large tournaments are only the beginning of a very long list of events, starting with 9 Copa del Rey finals, boxing, rugby, American football and numerous concerts of World’s most popular vocalists and bands.

Ironically, apart from those single events it did not have a major tenant until 1997, when Espanyol Barcelona moved in. The club left in 2009 however, when they opened their own ground.

In 2001 the stadium was named after Lluis Companys, president of Catalonia executed near the venue by the Franco regime in 1940.