Camp de Les Corts: The Historic Former Home of FC Barcelona
Before the global fame of the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona called Camp de Les Corts home. Located in Barcelona, Catalonia, this stadium served as a cornerstone for the club's growth and a witness to some of the most pivotal moments in Spanish football history. From its inauguration in the early 1920s to its eventual demolition in the 1960s, Les Corts was more than just a pitch; it was a symbol of the club's ambition and the region's identity.
The Vision and Construction of Les Corts
The creation of Camp de Les Corts was the realization of a long-term strategic plan by club president Joan Gamper, who sought to provide FC Barcelona with a dedicated stadium of its own. Replacing the previous ground, Camp de la Indústria, the stadium officially opened its doors on May 20, 1922.
At its inception, the stadium had a capacity of 20,000 spectators. The very first match hosted at the venue featured a clash between FC Barcelona and the Scottish club St Mirren. Over the following years, the stadium's prestige grew, hosting high-profile events such as the Copa del Rey final between Athletic Bilbao and CE Europa on May 13, 1923, and an international fixture between Spain and Austria on December 21, 1924.
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Political Turmoil and the 1925 Closure
The stadium became a flashpoint for political tension on June 14, 1925. During a match, FC Barcelona supporters jeered the Spanish national anthem and instead applauded God Save the King, which was being performed by a visiting British Royal Marine band. This act of defiance led the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera to accuse Joan Gamper of promoting Catalan nationalism.
The consequences were severe: Camp de Les Corts was shut down for six months, and Joan Gamper was expelled from Spain.
A Golden Era of Football Success
Despite the political challenges, Les Corts presided over two of FC Barcelona's most successful periods. During the 1920s, under the guidance of coach Jack Greenwell and featuring legendary players such as Paulino Alcántara, Ricardo Zamora, and Josep Samitier, the club dominated the Campionat de Catalunya (the Catalan Championship) and established itself as a powerhouse in Spain.
The success continued as the club secured its first-ever La Liga title while based at the stadium, cementing its status as a premier sporting institution.
Expansion and the Transition to Camp Nou
As the club's popularity surged, the physical limits of the stadium became an issue. Through several expansions, the capacity was eventually increased to 60,000. However, by the late 1940s, it became clear that there was no further room for growth within the site's boundaries.
In 1950, the club began planning for a larger, more modern venue. This led to the construction of the Camp Nou, and FC Barcelona officially moved to the new stadium upon its inauguration on September 24, 1957.
Legacy and Redevelopment
Following the departure of FC Barcelona, the stadium continued to serve as the home for CD Condal throughout that club's entire history. Eventually, the property was rezoned for residential and commercial use. Demolition of the structure began on February 2, 1966.
The original 26,990 m² site was repurposed: 15,300 m² were converted into public parks and sports facilities—including swimming pools and courts for hockey and basketball—while the remaining land was used for commercial and residential buildings.
Key Facts
- Opened: May 20, 1922
- Demolished: February 2, 1966
- Peak Capacity: 60,000 spectators
- Field Dimensions: 101 m × 62 m
- Primary Tenants: FC Barcelona (1922–1957) and CD Condal (1934–1970)
- Architects: Jaume Mestres and Josep Alemany
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Grass |
| Total Acreage | 26,990 m² (290,500 sq ft) |
| Field Size | 101 m × 62 m |
| Owner/Operator | FC Barcelona / FC Barcelona CD Condal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did FC Barcelona leave Camp de Les Corts?
The club had outgrown the stadium. Despite expanding the capacity to 60,000, there was no remaining room for further growth, leading to the construction of the Camp Nou.
What happened to the site after the stadium was demolished?
The land was rezoned. Approximately 15,300 m² became parks and sports facilities (such as swimming pools and basketball courts), while the rest was developed into residential and commercial buildings.
Who was the architect of the stadium?
The stadium was designed by architects Jaume Mestres and Josep Alemany.
Why was the stadium closed for six months in 1925?
It was closed by the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera after fans jeered the Spanish national anthem and applauded the British anthem, which was viewed as a promotion of Catalan nationalism.
Which other club used Camp de Les Corts?
CD Condal used the stadium as their home for the entirety of the club's history, from 1934 to 1970.