Barcelona will make their long-awaited return to the iconic Nou Camp this weekend after more than two years away, facing Athletic Club in a La Liga clash.
The stadium will reopen following partial renovations, with a reduced capacity of 45,401 for Saturday’s match on 22 November at 15:15 GMT. Barcelona last hosted an official game at the Nou Camp on 28 May 2023 against Real Mallorca before the venue closed for modernization work.
Renovations began in June 2023 at an estimated cost of £1.1bn, aiming to modernize the stadium and expand its capacity to 105,000, which would make it one of the largest football grounds in the world. The club initially planned to return in November 2024 to coincide with its 125th anniversary, but delays have pushed back the reopening.
During the renovation period, Barcelona has mostly played home games at the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill. This season, they also hosted two matches at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, home to their women’s team, after being denied a permit for the Nou Camp on safety grounds.
“Barcelona celebrates being able to compete again at its stadium and continue advancing in the comprehensive transformation project of the new Camp Nou,” the club said. They added that discussions are ongoing with UEFA to host next week’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the revamped venue, pending official approval.
The Nou Camp, which opened in 1957, has long been Barcelona’s home ground and previously held up to 99,000 spectators.
The stadium will reopen following partial renovations, with a reduced capacity of 45,401 for Saturday’s match on 22 November at 15:15 GMT. Barcelona last hosted an official game at the Nou Camp on 28 May 2023 against Real Mallorca before the venue closed for modernization work.
Renovations began in June 2023 at an estimated cost of £1.1bn, aiming to modernize the stadium and expand its capacity to 105,000, which would make it one of the largest football grounds in the world. The club initially planned to return in November 2024 to coincide with its 125th anniversary, but delays have pushed back the reopening.
During the renovation period, Barcelona has mostly played home games at the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill. This season, they also hosted two matches at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, home to their women’s team, after being denied a permit for the Nou Camp on safety grounds.
“Barcelona celebrates being able to compete again at its stadium and continue advancing in the comprehensive transformation project of the new Camp Nou,” the club said. They added that discussions are ongoing with UEFA to host next week’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the revamped venue, pending official approval.
The Nou Camp, which opened in 1957, has long been Barcelona’s home ground and previously held up to 99,000 spectators.
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