The flaming arrow
Paralympic archer Antonio Rebollo lit the Olympic cauldron with an arrow, watched by the whole world.
All stadiums
Barcelona, Spain · Stadium
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
The Olympic stadium on Montjuïc hill
The 1992 Olympic stadium on Montjuïc, with its historic façade and views over Barcelona. It's the city's biggest summer concert venue and was FC Barcelona's home while Camp Nou was rebuilt.
- Capacity
- 55,000
- Opened
- 1929 · renovated 1989
- Architect
- Pere Domènech i Roura · renovation Vittorio Gregotti
- Home of
- Concerts, temporary home of FC Barcelona 2023–2025
History
The stadium was built for the 1929 International Exposition, when Montjuïc was transformed with palaces, gardens and fountains. Barcelona also built it hoping to host the Olympics, which went to Berlin in 1936.
For the 1992 Olympics the inside was completely rebuilt, keeping the original façade. The opening ceremony, when an archer lit the cauldron with a flaming arrow, became one of the most famous Olympic moments.
In 2001 it was named after Lluís Companys, a president of Catalonia executed in 1940. Espanyol played here until 2009, and FC Barcelona used it as a temporary home while Camp Nou was rebuilt.
Milestones
- 1929Opens for the International Exposition
- 1989Reopens after the Olympic renovation
- 1992Opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games
- 1997RCD Espanyol moves in until 2009
- 2023FC Barcelona moves in during the Camp Nou rebuild
- 2025Barça returns to Camp Nou; concerts carry on
Legendary nights
Barcelona's transformation
The Games turned Barcelona into one of Europe's most visited cities.
Stadium tours
The biggest world tours stop here, often with sunsets over the city.
Did you know?
- The neoclassical façade from 1929 survived the complete rebuilding of the inside.
- The Olympic Ring area also includes the Palau Sant Jordi arena and the communications tower by Santiago Calatrava.
- From the top of the stands you can see the sea.
Seating layout
Capacity: 55,000
Indicative layout of Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for concerts — exact blocks vary by show.
0
Pitch / stage
Pitch / floor
1
Lower tier (Lateral & Gol)
Close to the field but separated by the old running track area.
2
Upper tier
Higher, with a full view. Only the main stand is covered by a roof.
Seating tips
- Only the main stand (Tribuna) is covered — bring sunscreen for summer afternoons.
- The 'Lateral' sides have the best view for concerts.
- Seats behind the stage are usually sold only when a show sells out.
Getting there
- Metro L1 & L3 · EspanyaThen outdoor escalators up Montjuïc, about 20 minutes on foot.
- Metro L2 & L3 · Paral·lel + funicularThe Montjuïc funicular takes you most of the way up.
- Buses on event daysTMB runs special buses from Plaça d'Espanya.
After the show
The walk down to Plaça d'Espanya is long but pleasant, with views over the city. Taxis are hard to find, so plan to walk or take the special buses.
Bags & entry
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Small bags are searched at the entrance.
Where to stay nearby
Poble-sec
Tapas bars at the foot of Montjuïc, walking distance to the stadium.
Eixample
Elegant central district, close to the metro.
Sants
Practical for the main station and airport trains.
Planning the whole trip?
Read our Barcelona guide: where to stay, getting around, food and local tips.
Open the Barcelona guideUpcoming events at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Live from Ticketmaster, with full trip prices.
Questions fans ask
How do I get up Montjuïc?
The easiest way is metro to Espanya and the outdoor escalators, or the funicular from Paral·lel.
Is there shade?
Only the main stand is covered. For summer day shows, bring a hat and water.