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Can Dragó changes pace and leaves athletes in the background
CE Europa’s move to Can Dragó has changed daily life at one of Barcelona’s main sports facilities. The Primera Federación’s requirement to play on natural grass has forced the club to leave Nou Sardenya and share the space with athletics.
The change has not been neutral. During the works, many athletes found themselves displaced to the Can Dragó lake, an environment without the necessary conditions for normal training. The situation particularly affected the most vulnerable groups, such as athletes with functional diversity.
After the refurbishment, the improvements have not resolved all the problems. The new stands make it difficult for coaches to see, especially in children’s training sessions, where visual supervision is key to avoiding risks.
Throwers remain one of the most affected groups. Their training continues in improvised spaces, with technical and safety limitations that affect their preparation.
In addition, the inability to host official competitions has dealt a blow to local athletics, which loses visibility and opportunities in a city with high demand for sports facilities.
Despite some advances, such as the new turf or improved lighting, the balance between disciplines remains fragile. Can Dragó, a historic landmark in Nou Barris, now reflects growing tension between the needs of professional sport and citizens’ use of spaces.
The case raises a broader debate: how to adapt Barcelona’s sports infrastructure to new requirements without displacing those who already use it every day.