Barcelona fans, mark your calendars! The reigning La Liga champions are set to return to their iconic Spotify Camp Nou on August 10, 2025, after a lengthy period of renovations. The grand reopening will be celebrated with the Joan Gamper Trophy match, a traditional pre-season fixture, where Barcelona will face Como 1907, currently managed by former Barça legend Cesc Fàbregas.
The return to Camp Nou marks the end of nearly two years of playing home games at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium while the extensive renovation project, known as "Espai Barça," has been underway. This project aims to modernize and expand the stadium, ultimately increasing its capacity to 105,000, making it the largest stadium in Europe.
While the August 10th match signifies a triumphant homecoming, it's important to note that the stadium will not be fully completed at that time. Construction work will continue in various areas, including the completion of the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, the roof installation, and final touches to the interior spaces and surrounding urban development.
Due to ongoing construction and safety protocols, the stadium's initial capacity will be limited. Originally planned for 25,000 spectators, recent progress in construction may allow for around 35,000 fans to attend the reopening match, pending final security and structural clearances. While this is still significantly below the target capacity for competitive fixtures, it represents a significant milestone in the Espai Barça project. The club has assured that it will strive to ensure the highest level of comfort and facilitate access for all members, fans, and visitors during this period.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, FC Barcelona has launched a campaign, "Tornem a casa, vibrem" ("We return home, we vibrate"), encompassing a range of activities across the city and digital platforms. The campaign aims to reinforce the connection between the club, its fans, and the city of Barcelona, as well as with supporters worldwide. The visual identity of the campaign is inspired by sound vibrations, conveying the emotional intensity of returning to the club's spiritual home.
Before the highly anticipated return to Camp Nou, Barcelona will embark on their 2025 pre-season tour in Asia. The team will begin their pre-season on July 27 against Vissel Kobe in Japan, followed by two matches in South Korea against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4. These matches will allow the team to reconnect with its large Asian fanbase.
Following the pre-season tour, the focus will shift to preparing for the 2025/2026 La Liga season. While the official schedule is yet to be released, the season is set to commence on the weekend of August 16-17, 2025. Barcelona has requested to play their first four La Liga games away from home to allow for further work on Camp Nou.
The return to Camp Nou is not just about football; it's a chance for the club and its fans to reconnect with their history, roots, and community. It’s a symbolic step into the future.
