Barcelona set for long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou after major renovation delays

Barcelona have confirmed they will finally return to Spotify Camp Nou this weekend, ending more than two years of exile at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. 

The club announced on Monday that renovation works have reached the stage required for La Liga matches to resume at their iconic home, following repeated delays since the stadium closed after the 2022/23 season.

The Blaugrana had initially expected to be back by late 2024, but construction setbacks forced an extended stay at the 55,926-capacity Olympic Stadium.

Although the club received an initial permit to reopen Camp Nou last month, the restricted capacity of 25,991 made a return financially unviable.

A successful test event attended by 23,000 supporters earlier this month proved decisive in Barcelona’s bid for licence 1B, which allows the opening of an additional stand and significantly increases capacity.

Joan Sentelles, the executive overseeing the project, had earlier indicated that the club aimed to host Athletic Club once the upgraded permit was secured. 

Club president Joan Laporta also expressed confidence that reopening was imminent, noting that Camp Nou would be able to accommodate up to 45,000 fans once the 1B approval came through. 

Barcelona later confirmed via an official post on X that the stadium would indeed reopen for Saturday’s league match.

Saturday’s capacity will be capped at 45,401 as renovation work continues around the site. Barcelona return to their historic home after a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo, which marked their second consecutive league win under manager Hansi Flick. The match against Athletic Club will be their first game at Camp Nou in more than 28 months.

Renovations are expected to continue until 2027, when the fully completed stadium will boast a capacity of 105,000. 

It remains uncertain, however, whether Barcelona will be cleared to host Champions League matches at Camp Nou this season, with UEFA regulations regarding mid-season venue changes differing from those of La Liga.

Laporta remains optimistic, saying the club is preparing to meet all requirements for European competition.