FC Barcelona: new pioneers in the leisure industry?

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Published on 15/05/18 - Updated on 17/03/22

FC Barcelona: new pioneers in the leisure industry?

Parques Reunidos and FC Barcelona have announced an agreement to open a minimum of five indoor entertainment centers in the United States and Asia, starting in 2020. These new projects should enable the club to generate significant additional revenue.

The activities of Parques Reunidos are based on theme parks, water parks, aquariums and zoos. In total, the company has 61 parks in 14 countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and France.

The new project offers expansion opportunities for both the entertainment company and the football club, whose Barça brand continues to grow worldwide.

The five-year agreement was formalized at a meeting between Fútbol Club Barcelona President, Josep Maria Bartomeu and Parques Reunidos President and CEO, Fernando Eiroa.

Renewable for another five years, this partnership establishes that the leisure company will open spaces dedicated to FC Barcelona that will explore the history of the club, including its best moments, its players and its origins. Visitors will be able to test their football skills in a variety of challenges. It also offers an immersive cinema and virtual reality experiences that include a flight over the Camp Nou stadium.

Manel Arroyo, Vice President and Marketing and Communication Director of FC Barcelona, underlined that "Parques Reunidos is a leading company in its sector" that will enable the Club "to be pioneers in the entertainment industry," he added. 

Fernando Eiroa, Chairman and CEO of Parques Reunidos, highlighted the importance of this agreement as part of the growth strategy to develop indoor entertainment centres in shopping centres. "Our company is constantly seeking opportunities to expand and offer unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Through these new centers Parques Reunidos will be the first company to offer an innovative and thrilling entertainment and sports experience for all football lovers," he said. 

This is not the Catalan club's first try in the world of theme parks. It recently signed a similar agreement with the operator Mission Hills, concerning the construction of an area dedicated to FC Barcelona on the Chinese island of Hainan, off the coast of Vietnam.

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