At SkyriseCities, we cover skyscraping towers and groundscaping complexes, which include some of the world's most impressive new sporting venues. Plans were announced today for another new arena that will provide a worthy home to a local team. Internationally known architecture firm HOK is partnering with Barcelona-based TAC Arquitectes to provide a modern facility for the FC Barcelona sports club. 

New Palau Blaugrana, image courtesy of HOK and TAC Arquitectes

A jury consisting of five members of FC Barcelona, three members of the College of Architects of Catalonia, and one representative from Barcelona’s City Council selected the design on February 10 in a unanimous decision. Praising its "remarkable innovation" and its “permeability, flexibility and personality," the plan was selected from a list of 19 submissions. 

The New Palau Blaugrana's 10,000 seats will host FC Barcelona Lassa basketball games, ultimately replacing the existing Palau Blaugrana, a 7,500-seat arena which opened in 1971. An auxiliary court for 2,000 fans plus an ice rink will also be constructed under the scheme. Inside, two lofty sky bars and 18 VIP boxes will overlook the court.

Mini Estadi, Palau Blaugrana and Camp Nou, image via Google Maps

The arena will be situated where the Mini Estadi currently stands. That 15,276-seat stadium is located across from another stadium, Camp Nou, where the FC Barcelona football team now plays. The New Palau Blaugrana is expected to be ready for the 2019-2020 basketball season. 

HOK is a leader in arena and stadium design, taking on major projects all over the world. From Rogers Place in Edmonton to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, HOK's contemporary architectural vision has demonstrated that these pantheons of sport can both accommodate cherished local teams, while serving as distinct works of art. 

New Palau Blaugrana, image courtesy of HOK and TAC Arquitectes

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