Olympic Stadium Barcelona Montjuïc

The Olympic Stadium of Barcelona, also known as Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys or Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, is one of the most iconic sports venues in the city. This impressive stadium was the main venue for the 1992 Olympic Games and has since served multiple purposes, such as a concert venue and a football stadium.

What to see and do at the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. You can admire the impressive architecture, take a walk around the surrounding green areas, or enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The stadium regularly hosts major concerts and sporting events, making it always an exciting place to visit.

The Stadium of the Olympic Games

The Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc is a large stadium built for various sporting events and has been significant for the city of Barcelona, as it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Some of the most important events during the Olympics took place here, such as the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics competitions.

During your visit to this stadium, you can see things like where the Olympic flame burned or the two equestrian sculptures by Pablo Gargallo that welcome us with the Olympic salute. There’s also a souvenir shop, a football field, and an athletics track.

Outside the stadium is the esplanade of the Anella Olímpica, the epicenter of the 1992 Olympics and a pleasant space for walking and taking photos.

Tip: Next to the stadium is the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch, a museum where you can learn all about the history of the Olympic Games and Barcelona’s role as a host city.

Events at the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is not just a historical place but also a venue for numerous events. From sports competitions and concerts to cultural festivals, the Olympic Stadium remains a center of activity in Barcelona. Check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

Attending a Barça Match

During the renovation of Camp Nou, the matches of FC Barcelona will take place at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc. That means all home games of the 2023-2024 season will be played here.

History of the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and later underwent extensive renovations for the 1992 Olympics.

The stadium in Montjuïc was designed by architect Pere Domènech i Roura and was officially inaugurated on May 20, 1929.

During the Civil War, the role of the Montjuïc stadium shifted from sports to social. In 1936, it served as a refugee center and later, in 1957 and 1958, for those affected by the floods that occurred in Barcelona those years. In 1965, it served as a space for taking driving tests. The stadium was also the scene of religious events for many years.

On October 17, 1986, Barcelona was declared the winner of the bid for the 1992 Olympics. The stadium was then rebuilt, except for the façade, and received new infrastructure and top equipment. A natural grass field and an athletics track were installed, and the stadium’s capacity was increased to nearly 50,000 spectators.

After the 1992 Olympics – famous for the song “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé – the stadium became the venue for countless events of all kinds: from sports and cultural events to major tours of international artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Beyoncé, and Coldplay.

The two major football clubs of Barcelona, RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona, have also used the stadium in turn.

The Olympic Stadium was and remains the location of major events and a place full of memories for most Barcelonians.

Olympic Stadium Tickets

A visit to the Olympic Stadium of Barcelona is not just an opportunity to explore a historic site, but also to experience the spirit and passion of the Olympic Games. You can visit the stadium on your own (with a bit of luck, you’ll find the doors open and can go inside) or experience it during one of the many events held there.

How to get to the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is located on Montjuïc, a beautiful hill overlooking Barcelona. The easiest way to get there is by metro. Take line 3 (the green line) or line 1 (red line) and get off at the Espanya station. From there, you can continue on foot to Montjuïc or take bus 150. Once on the hill, you will find the Olympic Stadium on Avinguda de l’Estadi, next to the Palau Sant Jordi and the Anella Olímpica.