Barcelona’s innovative board game space at Glòries has cemented its place as a community favourite, welcoming over 5,500 visitors during July and August alone.
The open-air gaming area, nestled within the Glòries clearing, recorded its highest ever attendance figures this summer, with Barcelona City Council describing the numbers as ‘very positive’ and representing a record-breaking period for the facility.
Friday evenings proved particularly popular, with group activities scheduled between 8pm and midnight drawing substantial crowds. July saw a peak attendance of 384 people on the 27th, whilst August concluded with 368 visitors on its final day.
Council officials, now led by Mayor Jaume Collboni, emphasised the ‘very stable’ nature of visitor numbers throughout the summer period. Even the quietest days maintained impressive attendance, with the lowest figures exceeding 100 people on multiple occasions on both 11th and 18th July, and 104 on 22nd August.
The facility has recently enhanced its weekend offerings with ‘Bring Us Your Prototype’ sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, encouraging board game creators to test their designs in collaboration with the Ludo Association. This initiative reflects the space’s commitment to fostering creativity within the gaming community.
Occupying 150 square metres, the facility houses more than 500 games and draws inspiration from Paris’s outdoor concept. The space forms part of Barcelona’s broader ‘Playable City’ initiative, aimed at transforming urban areas into interactive community hubs.
Two dedicated facilitators oversee operations, providing guidance to newcomers whilst ensuring the smooth running of activities. The area features tables, chairs, and parasols, creating a comfortable environment for players of all ages.
The opening hours are:
January-March: 10 am to 2 pm
April-June: 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm
July-September: 4 pm to 8 pm
October-December: 10 pm to 2 pm
The free facility welcomes leisure organisations, schools, and community centres, actively promoting shared, collaborative, and intergenerational play. Council officials view the space as a vital tool for encouraging social diversity, reclaiming public spaces for community interaction, and creating a focal point for neighbourhood life.
In an era of increasing screen time among young people, the Glòries gaming space offers an alternative form of entertainment that prioritises face-to-face interaction and community engagement.
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