Barcelona have completed the first stage of adapting the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, where the club will play home games next season while Camp Nou is being redeveloped.
The temporary move across the city to the venue that hosted the 1992 Olympics has been in the pipeline for some time, but work needed to be done ahead of the 2023/24 campaign to make it properly functional for Barcelona’s needs and to comply with La Liga requirements.
Lluis Companys was formerly the home of Espanyol until 2009 but hasn’t been in regular use since.
Barcelona have carried out work on the pitch, altering the dimensions and changing the drainage, irrigation and water treatment systems. Elsewhere, the dressing rooms and press and hospitality areas have also been subject to ‘general conditioning’.
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Other work still to be completed includes installing turnstiles and a telecommunications network, as well as adapting floodlights. The final phase of the project will include installation of VAR and offside cameras, assembling benches and goals, and putting the finish touches on the playing surface.
Following a short break now due to prearranged events at the stadium, phases of work will continue in May, June and July, due to finish in time for the start of the 2023/24 season.
Barcelona’s renovation of Camp Nou, part of the wider Espai Barça project, has not been without hurdles and criticism. A recent report highlighted major uncertainties relating to the project, including the financing, turnover of individuals involved and unresolved planning issues.
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