SafekipediaVenues of the 1992 Summer Olympics
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Main article: 1992 Summer Olympics
Forty-three sports venues were used for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Barcelona had wanted to host the Olympics for many years. They tried in 1924 but lost to Paris. They tried again in 1936 but lost to Berlin. They also planned an event called the People's Olympiad but had to cancel it because of the Spanish Civil War. After hosting the Mediterranean Games in 1955, Barcelona tried again for the 1972 Games but lost to Munich. Finally, they won the bid for the 1992 Summer Olympics in 1986.
Barcelona was also known for its motorsport events. The city had a street circuit at Montjuïc for Formula One and MotoGP from 1950 to 1976. The Circuit de Catalunya, finished in 1991, was used for cycling. The marathon had a steep climb near the end to reach the Olympic Stadium. There were issues with garbage in the water near the sailing area, so special boats kept the water clean.
After the Olympics, some venues stayed important. The Circuit de Catalunya kept hosting Formula One and MotoGP races. The Olympic Stadium later hosted the European Athletics Championships in 2010. Three venues also hosted the World Aquatic Championships in 2003 and 2013.
Venues
Montjuïc Area
The Montjuïc Area was one of the main places for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It had several important venues for different sports.
Diagonal Area
The Diagonal Area was another key location for the Olympics. It hosted many events and activities during the games.
Vall d'Hebron Area
The Vall d'Hebron Area was used for some of the Olympic events. It was an important part of the games in Barcelona.
Parc de Mar Area
The Parc de Mar Area was also used during the Olympics. It had space for various sports and activities.
Subsites
| Venue | Sports | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-country course | Modern pentathlon (running) | Not listed. |
| Estadi Olímpic de Monjuïc | Athletics Ceremonies (opening/closing) | 60,000 |
| Institut National d'Educació Física de Catalunya | Wrestling | 4,000 |
| Marathon course | Athletics (marathon) | Not listed. |
| Mataró | Athletics (marathon start) | Not listed. |
| Palau de la Metal·lúrgia | Fencing Modern pentathlon (fencing) | 3,500 |
| Palau dels Esports de Barcelona | Gymnastics (rhythmic) Volleyball | 8,000 |
| Palau Sant Jordi | Gymnastics (artistic) Handball (final) Volleyball (final) | 15,000 |
| Pavelló de l'Espanya Industrial | Weightlifting | Not listed. |
| Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc | Diving Water polo | 6,500 |
| Piscines Bernat Picornell | Modern pentathlon (swimming) Swimming Synchronized swimming Water polo (final) | 10,700 |
| Walking course | Athletics (race walks) | Not listed. |
| Venue | Sports | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Nou | Football | 100,000 |
| Palau Blaugrana | Judo Roller hockey (demonstration final) Taekwondo (demonstration) | 6,400 |
| Estadi de Sarrià | Football | 42,000 |
| Real Club de Polo de Barcelona | Equestrian (dressage, jumping, eventing final) Modern pentathlon (riding) | 9,600 |
| Venue | Sports | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Olímpic de Tir amb Arc | Archery | Not listed. |
| Pavelló de la Vall d'Hebron | Basque pelota (demonstration) Volleyball | 2,500 (volleyball) 3,300 (basque pelota) |
| Tennis de la Vall d'Hebron | Tennis | 8,000 |
| Velòdrom d'Horta | Cycling (track) | 6,400 |
| Venue | Sports | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Estació del Nord Sports Hall | Table tennis | 5,500 |
| Olympic Harbour | Sailing | Not listed. |
| Pavelló de la Mar Bella | Badminton | 4,000 |
Before the Olympics
The idea of Barcelona hosting the Olympic Games started in 1913. In 1924, the Spanish Olympic Committee was created there. Barcelona first tried to host the Summer Olympics in 1924 but lost to Paris. They tried again in 1936 but lost to Berlin.
After World War II, Barcelona began holding races for Formula One cars and Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Many big sports events were held there over the years. In 1982, Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup, and Barcelona's stadiums were used for some games.
Even before being chosen for the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona started planning its venues in January 1985. The city was picked to host the Games on 17 October 1986 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Of the forty-three venues used, fifteen were brand new, and ten were updated. The work on these venues was finished by May 1992.
During the Olympics
The marathon race was mostly on a flat road, ending with a climb to the Olympic Stadium. In the men's race, two runners from South Korea and Japan stayed close until the end, where the Korean runner went faster and won.
During the sailing events, sailors faced difficulties because of trash in the water, like old items such as refrigerators. Local authorities used special boats to clean the area each day. In one race, an American sailor had a plastic bag stick to his board, which cost him a chance to win.
After the Olympics
After the 1992 Summer Olympics, the Circuit de Catalunya kept hosting the Spanish Grand Prix every year. It also welcomed Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Many Olympic venues stayed busy with big events. The Palau Saint Jordi, Piscines Bernat Picornell, and Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc were used for the 2003 World Aquatics Championships and again ten years later. The Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys hosted the European Athletics Championships. Parc Olímpic del Segre held the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Related articles
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