Barcelona plans 5 theme parks in US and Asia

BARCELONA: Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique once likened the club to Disneyland and on Tuesday the La Liga champions announced plans to open their own amusement parks in Asia and the United States in a bid to further boost their global brand.

The five parks, which will be between 3,000 and 10,000 square metres, will be built by Spanish leisure park group Parques Reunidos in shopping malls and “iconic establishments” in major cities, with the first parks being opened in 2020.

“The club is viewing this as a strategic agreement that will project the Barca brand and awareness of the club around the world,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“These spaces will be dedicated exclusively to FC Barcelona, where visitors of different ages will be able to enjoy immersive experiences in this brand new entertainment concept, based on the history, values, players and memorable moments of the club, blending interaction, new technologies, education and fun.”