Copa America Sailing Event Concludes in Barcelona, Future Venue Uncertain

The 2024 Copa America sailing event has come to a close in Barcelona, but the future of the competition in the city remains uncertain. The winning team, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), led by Executive Director Grant Dalton, holds the decisive power in choosing the next venue for the prestigious sailing competition.

Conclusion of the Event

The closing ceremony of the Copa America was marked by a grand spectacle on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona's most iconic avenues. The event featured a performance by renowned tenor Josep Carreras and flamenco dancer Sara Baras on Sunday, October 20. This event not only concluded the Copa America but also celebrated the bicentennial of Passeig de Gràcia. The preparations and subsequent dismantling of the infrastructure led to significant traffic disruptions in the area until October 22.

Future Venue

Grant Dalton, in a recent statement, indicated that the winning team is considering various options for the next venue. This decision is crucial as it determines where the sailing community will gather for the next edition of the Copa America. Dalton's comments suggest that Barcelona is not guaranteed to host the event again, leaving other cities in contention.

València Emerges as a Strong Contender

València has emerged as a strong candidate to host the next Copa America. The city's previous experience in hosting major sailing events and its infrastructure make it an attractive option. Local authorities, including the Mayor of València, have expressed their commitment to bringing the event back to the city.

Barcelona's Stance

Despite the uncertainty, the Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council) has not ruled out the possibility of hosting the Copa America again in the future. However, the council's current stance is cautious, reflecting the need for careful consideration and negotiation with the event organizers.

Impact on the City

The hosting of the Copa America had significant implications for Barcelona, including major traffic disruptions and the closure of several bus lines and bike-sharing stations. The city's residents and visitors were advised to use the metro to navigate the affected areas.

As the sailing community awaits the official announcement of the next venue, the future of the Copa America remains a topic of keen interest and speculation. Whether Barcelona will once again host this prestigious event or if another city will take the helm remains to be seen.