Barcelona Announces New Timeline for Camp Nou Return with Increased Capacity
Barcelona has announced a revised plan for their return to the renovated Camp Nou stadium, now targeting a temporary capacity of 45,000 supporters.
“Although it is expected to soon receive the first occupancy licence for phase 1A...”
Barcelona's return to Camp Nou has been delayed again, with the club now targeting a comeback once they secure permission for a temporary capacity of 45,000 supporters. This decision comes less than a week after their expected return was delayed once more, and it's the latest setback in the ongoing renovation of their iconic stadium. The renovation, estimated to cost €1.5 billion, has faced several challenges, including reconstruction chaos and safety issues.
The city council had previously refused to allow Barcelona to return to the stadium due to safety concerns, and the club is working to address these issues in phases. They're expecting to receive the first occupancy license for phase 1A soon, which would allow for 27,000 spectators, but they're aiming to reach 45,000 capacity with the completion of phase 1B. The additional capacity is crucial, especially since UEFA requires the Lateral stand to be enabled for Champions League matches.
A fresh new look at the Spotify Camp Nou 🤩
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 15, 2025
A whole new era for Futbol Club Barcelona very soon ✨ pic.twitter.com/CplGCeG3N4
The delay in returning to Camp Nou might extend into late November or beyond, depending on the progress of the renovation work and the issuance of necessary permits.
Barcelona has changed its plans for returning to the Camp Nou stadium, now aiming to host matches with a crowd of 45,000 spectators instead of the previously planned 27,000. This decision is expected to cause further delays in the stadium's reopening, which has already faced several setbacks. The Catalan giants are currently renovating their iconic stadium as part of the Espai Barça project, aiming to increase its capacity to 105,000 seats.
The decision to wait for a higher temporary capacity will likely push back the reopening of the stadium, with Barcelona currently playing their home matches at the Olympic Stadium. The club had initially hoped to return to Camp Nou in November 2024, but the project has faced several delays.
“Although it is expected to soon receive the first occupancy licence for phase 1A... Barcelona will work with the goal of returning to Spotify Camp Nou once the licence for phase 1B is obtained, which will expand the capacity to 45,000 spectators,” the club said in a statement without giving any indication of when that would be.
Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium has been the subject of controversy due to ongoing renovations, forcing the team to play their home matches elsewhere. In the early part of the season, they were compelled to play two matches at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff training ground stadium due to permit issues with Camp Nou.
The city council had previously denied Barcelona permission to return to the stadium, citing safety concerns. This decision affects the team's plans to host matches at their iconic home, which is currently undergoing renovations to increase its capacity to 105,000 seats.
Upcoming Matches for Barcelona
Girona Match: Barcelona will host Girona on October 18, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill, with the match scheduled to start at 2:15 PM UTC.
Olympiakos Match: Their next Champions League match against Olympiakos is also scheduled to take place at the Olympic Stadium on October 21, 2025.
Elche Match: Barcelona's next home match after that will be against Elche on November 2, 2025, likely at the Olympic Stadium.
A look at the new, under-construction Camp Nou 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/MdvCDtQqCs
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 23, 2025
The renovation project, dubbed Espai Barça, aims to modernize the stadium while increasing its capacity. However, the project has faced delays, and it's unclear when Camp Nou will be ready for occupancy.
The club played there for the last two seasons while Camp Nou was closed and had to return there at the end of September following their two games at the tiny Johan Cruyff venue.
Barca had already announced their next Champions League match against Olympiakos will also take place there on October 21st. Their next home games after that are against Elche on November 2nd and Athletic Bilbao on November 23rd.
No comments:
Leave comment here