Temporary Capacity Set at 45,401, Full Expansion to Hold 105,000 Fans
Barcelona will finally return to their long-awaited, fully reconstructed Camp Nou stadium when they host Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga clash on November 22, the club announced on Monday. This marks the Catalan giants’ first home game at the iconic venue in over two years, following an extensive renovation project.
The team has been playing home matches away from Camp Nou since the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, primarily at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill. The delays in completing the stadium have been attributed to construction challenges and logistical setbacks, pushing back the reopening by a full year from the original schedule.
The upgraded Camp Nou will initially accommodate 45,401 spectators for the November 22 match, with plans to expand capacity to 105,000 once the top tier of the stadium is completed. Earlier in November, the club hosted a test event for 23,000 fans during a training session to ensure that operations, safety, and logistics were fully functional ahead of the official reopening.
The 1.5 billion euro ($1.75 billion) reconstruction project aims to modernize the stadium while preserving its historic significance. The previous Camp Nou, built in 1957, had a seating capacity of 99,000. Among the planned upgrades is the installation of a roof, which is now scheduled for summer 2027, a year later than initially anticipated.
Barcelona is also awaiting UEFA approval to host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Camp Nou in the Champions League on December 9, which would mark another key milestone in the stadium’s return to full operational status. Earlier in the season, the team was forced to host two matches at the much smaller 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium due to safety-related permitting issues at Camp Nou.
The reopening of Camp Nou represents a major moment for the club, fans, and the city of Barcelona. After years of playing at alternative venues, the team will now enjoy the benefits of a world-class, state-of-the-art stadium designed to enhance both fan experience and matchday atmosphere. The project reinforces Barcelona’s commitment to maintaining its status among Europe’s elite clubs while providing one of the most iconic football venues in the world with a modern makeover.
Fans and stakeholders alike are eagerly anticipating the return, as the renovation promises improved facilities, enhanced safety measures, and the opportunity to host large-scale events once the full capacity is achieved.
