Published By: Sayan Guha

UCL: Barca vs. Bayern- 5 Things to Know About Barca’s Temporary Home, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Picture Courtesy – FC Barcelona

As Barcelona gears up to face Bayern Munich in the UCL, get to know more about Barca's temporary home

Football fans, mark your calendars! Barcelona and Bayern Munich are set to face off in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League. With both teams starting strong this season, the stakes are sky-high. Barcelona, currently sitting pretty at the top of La Liga with 8 wins out of 9 matches, are ready to bring their A-game. Key players like Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal have been crucial to their success. Bayern Munich, though dealing with injuries to key players like Aleksandar Pavlovic and doubts over Jamal Musiala’s fitness, won’t be backing down either.

However, this encounter won’t happen at Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou but at their temporary ground – Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. If you’re wondering what’s up with the venue shift and why this historic stadium is now Barca’s home, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into five unique things you need to know about Barcelona’s temporary home ground.

A legacy of the Olympics

The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys isn’t just any stadium – it carries a rich history of sporting glory. Originally built for the 1929 International Exposition, the stadium rose to prominence during the 1992 Summer Olympics. Named after Lluís Companys, a Catalonian leader during the Spanish Civil War, it’s now an iconic symbol of Barcelona’s sporting heritage. Imagine watching a football match in a venue that once saw some of the greatest Olympic moments unfold. There’s a sense of grandeur here, an Olympic-sized thrill woven into the fabric of the place.

Temporary home, permanent charm

With Camp Nou undergoing extensive renovations, at least Barcelona will call this stadium home until November 2024. While Camp Nou gets its facelift, the team has adjusted to playing in the hills of Montjuïc. You’d think a change of venue would shake them up, but Barcelona has taken it in stride. With its 54,367 seating capacity, the stadium offers an intimate atmosphere compared to the vast expanses of Camp Nou, giving fans a closer connection to the action. And it’s not just the size that matters – the soul. This stadium has plenty.

A bird’s eye view of the Estadi Olímpic Stadium // Picture Courtesy -- The Venue Barcelona

Views that steal the show

Perched on Montjuïc Hill, the Estadi Olímpic offers more than just football. The sweeping views of the city and the harbor from the stadium are breathtaking. Whether it’s the shimmering Mediterranean or the towering mountains in the distance, this stadium provides a matchday experience unlike any other. It’s not every day that fans get to watch elite football while surrounded by such scenic beauty. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket, take a moment to soak in the surroundings before kickoff.

A view from outside of the iconic stadium // Picture Courtesy – Shutterstock

 An architectural masterpiece

Designed by Pere Domènech i Roura, the stadium’s architecture is a blend of old-world elegance and modern functionality. Its façade, preserved from the original 1929 structure, reflects Barcelona’s rich architectural tradition. The grandstands curve in a classic oval, reminiscent of ancient Roman amphitheatres. But don’t be fooled by its historical exterior – the stadium has been modernized with cutting-edge facilities, ensuring it meets the high standards of La Liga and international football. It’s the perfect blend of past and present, from VIP lounges to upgraded floodlights.

A star-studded past

This isn’t the first time Estadi Olímpic has hosted a top football club. Between 1997 and 2009, Espanyol called this stadium home before moving to their current ground. The stadium has also hosted American football, rugby, and even NFL games in the past! In its long history, this venue has seen its fair share of sporting greats, from Olympic sprinters to NFL quarterbacks. Now, it’s the turn of FC Barcelona to add to the stadium’s storied legacy.