Camp Nou reopening edges closer with reduced capacity of 27,000 spectators

FC Barcelona are edging closer to a return to the Camp Nou, albeit with an initially reduced capacity of 27,000 spectators.

The club's latest target for a return to their iconic home is the fourth league game of the season, against Valencia CF, scheduled to take place on September 13 or 14. LaLiga has already accepted Barça's request to play the first three games away from home.

Barcelona City Council confirmed on Wednesday that FC Barcelona has been notified of the approved modifications to Phase 1 of its construction and activity licenses.

The initial reopening – Phase 1a – is now set to have a maximum capacity of 27,000 in the main stand (Tribuna) and south stand (Gol Sud).

Phase 1b will allow up to approximately 45,000 spectators (opening the Lateral stand) and Phase 1c up to approximately 60,000 (Gol Nord), allowing full use of the first and second tiers.

Phase 2 will cover the opening of the third and final tier once construction there is complete.

The local district of Les Corts has renewed the current construction license for the Camp Nou works until September 12, under the same conditions as the existing one, which allows works to continue during the night.

License pending

Before the stadium can reopen, the club will have to complete the Phase 1a works and apply to the city council for a partial initial inspection (ECA) and a partial first occupation license.

Jordi Valls, economy councillor at Barcelona City Council, explained that "once we have all the information" – including an environmental control certificate and a certificate of completion of works  – "we will make the decision on whether to grant the license or not."

Delayed reopening

Reconstruction work began at the Spotify Camp Nou in June 2023, although some demolition work began in late 2022.

The return date has been pushed back several times, most notably after the club were forced to backtrack after officially announcing that the Joan Gamper trophy would be played at the Camp Nou on August 10.

That match, against Cesc Fàbregas' Como, will be played at the much smaller Johan Cruyff Stadium, after Barça failed to obtain the necessary permits from Barcelona City Council due to the ongoing construction works.