Spotify Camp Nou
Barcelona, Spain
RCDE Stadium
Cornellà de Llobregat Spain
The RCDE Stadium, also widely known as Estadi Cornellà-El Prat, is a state-of-the-art football arena located on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. Inaugurated in 2009, it is the home of RCD Espanyol and is consistently ranked as one of the most functional and aesthetically pleasing stadiums in Europe. With a capacity of 40,500, it replaced the club’s temporary stay at the Olympic Stadium, giving the « Pericos » a high-tech home of their own. It is a UEFA Category 4 stadium, recognized internationally for its sustainability and innovative architecture.
Capacity
42.260
History of the Venue
After leaving their historic Sarrià Stadium in 1997 and spending over a decade at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, Espanyol finally moved into their permanent home on August 2, 2009. The opening match was a dream debut, a 3-0 victory over Liverpool. In 2010, just one year after opening, the venue was named « Venue of the Year » at the Stadium Business Awards. It has survived various naming rights deals, including Power8 and Stage Front, but as of 2026, it is officially and proudly back to being known as the RCDE Stadium following the club’s focus on its own brand identity.
Architecture and Design
Designed by Mark Fenwick and Esteve Gasulla, the stadium is a marvel of energy efficiency. Its most striking feature is the « flying curtain » facade—a transparent skin that lights up with the club’s blue and white colors at night. The roof is equipped with 0.5 MW of solar panels, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Inside, the stands are built in a tight, two-tier ring that keeps fans close to the pitch, ensuring there are no obstructed views and creating a focused, high-energy environment.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The RCDE Stadium offers a more intimate and family-friendly atmosphere compared to the massive Camp Nou nearby. The « Perico » fans are incredibly loyal, and their passion is best felt in the « Gol de Cornellà » section. Matchdays are a blend of modern entertainment and local tradition. The stadium’s acoustics are specifically designed to amplify the home crowd’s chants, making it a difficult place for away teams to visit. In 2026, the club launched a new digital website and identity specifically for the stadium to enhance the fan experience on matchdays and beyond.
Location & Neighborhood
The stadium is uniquely situated on the border of two municipal districts: Cornellà de Llobregat and El Prat de Llobregat. The surrounding area is a bustling suburban hub that blends residential life with major commercial activity. Immediately adjacent to the stadium is the « Splau » shopping center, a massive complex filled with shops, cinemas, and restaurants that serves as the primary pre-match gathering spot. The neighborhood is characterized by modern infrastructure and is much less « touristy » than central Barcelona, offering a more authentic glimpse into the daily life of the metropolitan area.
Origin of the Name
« RCDE » stands for Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol. While it has carried commercial names like Power8 Stadium or Stage Front Stadium in the past, the club reverted to RCDE Stadium to reclaim its institutional heritage. The nickname « Cornellà-El Prat » remains the most popular way for locals to refer to the ground, reflecting the two towns that share the land the stadium sits on.
How to get to RCDE Stadium
The most popular way to reach the stadium is via the FGC (Ferrocarrils) train line L8 from Plaça d’Espanya to the « Cornellà Riera » station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the gates. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 5 (Blue Line) to « Cornellà Centre, » though this requires a slightly longer 15-minute walk. For those driving, the stadium is perfectly located near the junction of the A-2 and Ronda de Dalt motorways, with ample parking available at the Splau mall.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
Because it is a « pure » football stadium without a track, even the highest seats in the upper tier provide a fantastic view. For the best overall perspective and comfort, the « Tribuna Presidencial » (West Stand) is the place to be. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option with a great tactical view, the « Sector Lateral » (East Stand) provides clear sightlines of both goals. Fans looking for the loudest experience should head toward the South Stand (Gol Sud).
Where to eat and drink near RCDE Stadium
The Splau shopping mall right next door is the undisputed king of pre-match dining. It features everything from traditional Spanish tapas bars to international chains like Five Guys or Vips. If you want a more local experience, head into the center of Cornellà (about a 10-minute walk north) for authentic neighborhood bars serving « bocadillos » and cold Estrella Damm. Inside the stadium, 27 bars serve standard snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Good to know
RCDE Stadium is one of the safest and most accessible venues in Spain, with excellent facilities for fans with disabilities. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance via the official Espanyol app, though you can usually find seats at the ticket office on matchdays except for the « Derbi Barceloní » against FC Barcelona. A pro tip: visit the RCDE Store at the stadium to pick up high-quality merchandise that is often harder to find in central Barcelona tourist shops.
