Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, ready for the Joan Gamper Trophy
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is ready for Tuesday's game against Tottenham Hotspur for the Joan Gamper Trophy. As such, FC Barcelona have virtually completed all the necessary updates to their home ground until 2024 whilst construction work is carried out at Spotify Camp Nou. The Club has had to combine this work with existing events at the Estadi Olímpic in the last few months and one or two things still to be ready for the game against the Premier League club and before the team's first home game of the La Liga season on 20 August against Cádiz.
The work for the Espai Barça project is moving forward within the schedule set out and, as part of the rental agreement for the stadium with Barcelona City Council via the company Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM), who oversee the Estadi Olímpic, the Club began work to update the ground in December 2022. Areas that have undergone the greatest change include hospitality areas, the VIP box, the press areas, the dressing rooms and the pitch. Furthemore, the draining and water system has been updated as have broadcast facilities for television. The work has been necessary for the stadium to meet the Club's need and the requirements of La Liga and international competition.
Other updates at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys include changes to the floodlighting, preinstallation of access gates, telecommunication networks and mounting commentary positions for television. Also, work related to the relocating of seats in the stands in the current exit channels for concerts, installation of seats in the VIP areas and the systems for sporting competition - VAR, tracking cameras and offside cameras - and the placing of dugouts and goalposts. Furthermore, tickets offices have been created, along with merchandising areas and an OAB.
Updates in phases
The work to update the stadium began in December 2022 with a schedule organised by phases. The first was from the beginning date until 18 April; the second came about between already programmed events at the stadium, first between 4-12 May and the second between 11 June and 3 July. The final phases began on 24 July and comes to an end with the opening league fixture against Cádiz on 20 August.
Transport plan for Montjuïc
FC Barcelona has worked with Barcelona City Council on a Transport Plan for people wanting to attend matches at Montjuïc. Fans should leave for the stadium in good time and three hours before kick off access to be private vehicles will be restricted. Traffic around the stadium will be stopped and around the Olympic Area only accredited four wheeled vehicles will be permitted. The local police will impound vehicles parked in unauthorised zones. A total of 3,500 motorcycles will be allowed to access the area and park near the stadium.
Fans are recommended to travel to the stadium on foot, by public transport of by bicycle and avoid the use of private vehicles where possible. Fans are also asked to download their ticket beforehand and enter by the correct gate and access point. There will be left luggage facility.