Photo:RCD Espanyol de Barcelona/CC BY-SA 3.0

RCDE Stadium

Barcelona, Spain

Capacity

40,500

Opened

2009

Surface

Grass

Home Team

RCD Espanyol

Overview

RCDE Stadium, opened in 2009, is the modern home of RCD Espanyol and one of Barcelona's most contemporary football venues. With a capacity of 40,500 spectators, this purpose-built stadium replaced the beloved but aging Estadi de Sarrià, marking a new era for the club. Located in Cornellà de Llobregat, a municipality in Barcelona's metropolitan area, the stadium features distinctive architecture with its striking external facade and excellent sightlines throughout. As Barcelona's "other" club, Espanyol offers a more authentic, local football experience compared to the global phenomenon of FC Barcelona. The RCDE Stadium represents Catalan working-class football culture, where passionate supporters maintain deep community connections. The venue combines modern facilities with intimate atmosphere, bringing fans close to the pitch in a steep-sided bowl design.

Key Features

✓Modern stadium opened in 2009, replacing the historic Estadi de Sarrià
✓Distinctive architectural design with striking blue and white facade
✓Steep-sided bowl bringing fans extremely close to the pitch
✓Home to RCD Espanyol, Barcelona's historic working-class club
✓Excellent transport connections via metro, train, and tram

History

The RCDE Stadium opened on August 2, 2009, when Espanyol played Liverpool in a friendly match. The move from Estadi de Sarrià in Barcelona's upscale Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district to Cornellà was emotional for long-time fans, as Sarrià had been home since 1923. However, Sarrià's limited capacity (around 40,000) and valuable real estate location made relocation financially necessary. The new stadium project began in 2004, designed by Estudi Massip-Bosch Arquitectes. The design emphasized bringing fans close to the action, with steep stands on all sides creating an intimate atmosphere despite the 40,500 capacity. The distinctive external architecture features a striking facade with blue and white panels reflecting the club's colors. Construction took approximately three years, funded through stadium naming rights, season ticket sales, and the eventual sale of the Sarrià land. The stadium was initially called Estadi Cornellà-El Prat, then Power8 Stadium for sponsorship reasons, before settling on RCDE Stadium (using the club's Catalan initials: Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol). The venue has hosted numerous memorable matches including La Liga encounters, Copa del Rey fixtures, and European competition games. The stadium represents Espanyol's commitment to competing with Barcelona's dominant club while maintaining their identity as the city's working-class, neighbourhood team.

Seating Guide

RCDE Stadium's bowl design ensures uniformly excellent sightlines throughout, with all stands steep and close to the pitch. The stadium is divided into four main stands: Gol Nord (North Goal), Gol Sud (South Goal), Lateral Est (East Side), and Lateral Oest (West Side, the main stand). The Lateral Oest (West) main stand offers premium amenities and central views. Sections in the middle of this stand (particularly sectors 205-208 in the upper tier and 105-108 in the lower tier) provide the best tactical overview of matches. These seats include the Tribuna area with padded seating, VIP boxes, and the press area. Tickets range from €50-100 for La Liga matches. While offering excellent views and comfort, the atmosphere here is more reserved than in other sections. The Lateral Est (East) stand opposite mirrors the main stand with slightly lower prices (€40-80). Central sections here (105-108 lower, 205-208 upper) offer nearly identical views to the main stand. This side tends to have more vocal support while maintaining good viewing angles. It's an excellent option for fans wanting central positions without premium pricing. The lower tier (Primera Grada) throughout the stadium brings fans remarkably close to the pitch. Sections 101-124 wrap around the entire ground, with the steep design ensuring good sightlines even from the front rows. Lower tier tickets typically cost €35-70 depending on location and opponent. The upper tier (Segona Grada), sections 201-224, provides elevated perspectives perfect for tactical viewing. Despite being "upper tier," the steep rake means you're still relatively close to the action. These seats offer the best value at €30-60 for most matches. The Gol Nord (North Goal), particularly sections 115-118 in the lower tier and 215-218 in the upper tier, houses Espanyol's most passionate supporters. The Grada d'Animació (Animation Stand) here leads the chanting with drums, flags, and constant singing. The atmosphere is electric, though sightlines behind the goal are less optimal for following play. Tickets cost €30-50. The Gol Sud (South Goal) typically allocates space for away supporters, usually sections 102-104 (lower) and 202-204 (upper). The allocation varies by demand but can reach 3,000-4,000 for larger clubs. This ensures separation from home fans while providing decent views.

Match Day Experience

Match day at RCDE Stadium offers a genuine local football experience, distinct from the tourist-heavy atmosphere at Camp Nou. Espanyol represents Barcelona's working-class neighbourhoods, and their fanbase reflects this heritage. The stadium opens 90 minutes before kickoff, but the real experience begins in Cornellà's bars and the wider Barcelona area. Unlike FC Barcelona matches, Espanyol games feel more neighbourhood-oriented. Fans gather in local bars around Cornellà, particularly near the Cornellà Centre metro station and along Carrer de Sant Ildefons. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with supporters of all ages mixing freely. Traditional Catalan food dominates: pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), botifarra (Catalan sausage), and patatas bravas. Many fans also congregate in Barcelona proper before traveling to the stadium. The approach to RCDE Stadium is straightforward via metro, tram, or train, with fans converging from multiple directions. The stadium's modern exterior is striking, particularly when illuminated in the club's blue and white colors. Outside the ground, you'll find official club stores, mobile food vendors, and the Grada d'Animació supporters gathering with drums and flags. Inside, the atmosphere varies by opponent and competition. Derby matches against Barcelona create intense, passionate environments with full capacity and non-stop chanting. Regular La Liga matches have more subdued but knowledgeable crowds who appreciate good football. The Gol Nord generates the most noise, with organised supporter groups leading chants throughout the 90 minutes. Despite the modern setting, Espanyol fans maintain traditional Spanish football culture - passionate but generally respectful. The stadium offers modern concession facilities with typical Spanish stadium fare: bocadillos, hamburgers, patatas fritas, and drinks. Prices are moderate and facilities are clean and efficient. The steep stands mean you're never far from your seat, and the design ensures quick access to concourses. Post-match, many fans return to Cornellà centre or Barcelona proper for drinks and dinner. The nearby Splau shopping and entertainment complex offers numerous restaurants and bars. Others prefer returning to traditional neighbourhoods like Sants, Poble Sec, or Gràcia for post-game socializing.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

Take Metro Line 5 (blue line) to Cornellà Centre station, the stadium is a 5-minute walk. From Barcelona city centre (Plaça Catalunya), the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. This is the most popular and convenient option. Alternatively, Line 9 (L9 Sud) to Europa | Fira stop is slightly further but also convenient.

🚌 Bus

Multiple bus lines serve the stadium area, including L10, L52, L82, and L157. Most connect through Cornellà Centre. On match days, additional shuttle buses often run from major Barcelona metro stations. The local bus network is comprehensive but metro is typically faster.

🅿️ Parking

The stadium has underground parking facilities with approximately 1,200 spaces, though these are often reserved for season ticket holders and VIP guests. Additional parking is available at nearby Splau shopping centre (10-minute walk). Street parking in Cornellà is difficult on match days. Using public transport is strongly recommended given excellent metro connections.

🚶 From City Center

The stadium is not within walking distance of central Barcelona (approximately 10km), but it's a short 5-minute walk from Cornellà Centre metro station. From the train station (Cornellà-Sant Feliu RENFE), it's about 10 minutes on foot. The surrounding area is well-signposted on match days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

RCDE Stadium has a capacity of 40,500 spectators, making it a mid-sized venue in La Liga. The capacity is similar to the old Estadi de Sarrià but with significantly better facilities and sightlines throughout.

Take Metro Line 5 (blue line) to Cornellà Centre station, then walk 5 minutes to the stadium. From Barcelona city centre (Plaça Catalunya), the journey takes about 20 minutes. The metro runs frequently and is the easiest option. You can also use RENFE train services to Cornellà-Sant Feliu station.

Yes, RCD Espanyol offers stadium tours on non-match days. The tour includes access to the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitch-side, dugouts, press conference room, VIP areas, and the club museum showcasing Espanyol's 120+ year history. Tours must be booked in advance through the official RCD Espanyol website.

While you can stay in Cornellà, most visitors prefer staying in central Barcelona neighbourhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, or Sants, which offer more attractions and dining options. The excellent metro connection (Line 5) makes reaching the stadium easy from anywhere in Barcelona. The journey from central Barcelona takes just 20 minutes.

The Barcelona derby (Espanyol vs FC Barcelona) is one of Spanish football's most historic rivalries. Espanyol represents the city's working-class roots, while Barcelona has become a global brand. Derby matches create intense atmospheres with full capacity crowds and passionate support. Tickets are difficult to obtain and command premium prices.

Match tickets range from €30 to €100+ depending on the opponent and seat location. The Barcelona derby commands the highest prices (€80-200+). Regular La Liga matches cost €35-75 for good seats. European fixtures typically cost €40-90. Stadium tours cost approximately €10-12 for adults. Booking in advance is recommended.

Estadi de Sarrià, Espanyol's home from 1923-2009, was demolished after the club moved to Cornellà. The valuable Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district land was sold for residential development. A commemorative plaque marks the old stadium location. Many long-time fans were emotional about leaving Sarrià, but the new RCDE Stadium offers superior modern facilities.

Related Stadiums

Other stadiums in La Liga

Nearby Hotels

Hotel SB Cornellà
0.5km
Hotel Porta Fira
2.0km
AC Hotel Barcelona Fira
2.5km
Hotel Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower
3.0km
Renaissance Barcelona Fira
3.2km