Barcelona - F.C.B.

I have to preface this blog by saying that my tour of the F.C.B. was a fantastic experience.  I have never toured a facility (Brewery, sports complex, venue etc.) that gave the visitor true access to the structure.  I was in this stadium from the sky box....to the stands.....to the field....to the locker room!!  It is not to be missed if you come to Barcelona...even if you know nothing or have hear nothing of Barcelona football or their other sports and winning teams.

The F.C.B. in Barcelona is not just about football (soccer to us).  It is about basketball, roller hockey, handball and thousands of youth programs.  It all began some 112 years ago and is now a huge empire...known and loved worldwide.

It taking the "Camp Nou" experience today I embarked on what I thought was a we will show you what we want you so see type tour.  One which is very controlled - no pictures - access only to those areas that would allow you to view their history and their accomplishments.  Man was I fooled.  This tour beat anything I have ever done.

It did start with a view of their accomplishments over the years.  A self-tour (audio assisted if you desire) of the hundreds of trophies, medals, plaques, statutes, and letters/awards of achievement.  Here are a few of those....

The exhibition also features works of art that have been commissioned commemorating the teams.....

I then proceeded inside the stadium.  It seats about 100,00...not including any standing.  And, is the largest complex in Europe as well as the most visited....

I then walked down inside the stadium to the players locker rooms....again sport fans this is without tour guide and full access to photograph....the locker room entry...

Past the media room......with all the sponsor logos......

and here we are...lockers....massage tables....whirlpool baths....showers.....

Then leaving the locker room I exited as the players would down the tunnel to the field....passing their chapel....

....and finally the field....

a totally different perspective.....

...in one of the most expensive and best seats in the house....

Maybe not....I then take the elevator to the top of the stadium and press box area....now this is a view...

Okay....I loved it....and on my way out I passed many of the photos of the current football coach and players....

and one last look....these are the awards given to this team in 2010-2011......enough said!

Next up....Italia.....Milano, Napoli, Roma, Firenze.....