Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes

27. Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium (1992) – Now an Outdoor Concert Arena and Event Space

Original Purpose: Hosted opening ceremonies and athletics during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. New Purpose: A cultural hub for concerts, festivals, and community events. Perched on Montjuïc Hill, Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys has had one of the most graceful second acts of any Olympic stadium. After the Games, it became a beloved venue for concerts and festivals, hosting acts like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Shakira. Its sweeping views of the city and Mediterranean Sea make it a spectacular backdrop for large-scale events. While it occasionally sees sports action, its main draw today is cultural—turning what was once a global sports venue into a stage for celebration, music, and shared joy.