After more than two years of playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, FC Barcelona is set to make a partial return to the Spotify Camp Nou on August 10, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the Espai Barça transformation project, signaling a new era for the club and its supporters. The reopening will be celebrated with the Joan Gamper Trophy match.
The renovations, which began after the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, have been extensive. While the full completion of the project is slated for the summer of 2026, the partial reopening allows Barcelona to return to its spiritual home sooner than initially anticipated. The club had initially hoped to be back in Camp Nou by the end of 2024, but construction delays pushed the timeline back.
The return to Camp Nou will be gradual. Construction work will continue in various areas of the stadium even after the initial reopening. This includes completing the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, and the roof installation, along with final touches to the interior and urban development of the surrounding area. During this period, FC Barcelona aims to ensure the comfort and safety of all members, fans, and visitors, adapting services to provide the best possible experience.
Due to the ongoing construction, the stadium will operate at a reduced capacity initially. While the final capacity for the Joan Gamper Trophy match is yet to be disclosed, reports suggest that around 60,000 spectators will be accommodated. This is significantly lower than the stadium's eventual capacity of 105,000, but it still represents a substantial increase compared to the 56,000 capacity of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The club has also requested La Liga to play their first three matches of the 2025-2026 season away to provide additional time to finalize the stadium.
To celebrate the return, FC Barcelona has launched a campaign called "Tornem a casa, vibrem" which translates to "We return home, we vibrate." The campaign includes various activities across the city and digital platforms to strengthen the bond between the club, its fans, and the city of Barcelona.
The full renovation of Camp Nou is an ambitious project aimed at modernizing the stadium and enhancing the overall fan experience. Once completed, the stadium will feature a range of new amenities, including state-of-the-art LED panels and a revamped playing surface. These upgrades are designed to create a more immersive and engaging matchday atmosphere for supporters. The project's cost is estimated to be around €900 million, though some reports suggest it could exceed €1 billion.
The return to Camp Nou is not only a symbolic moment but also a crucial step financially for FC Barcelona. Playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys has significantly impacted the club's ticketing revenue. The reopening of Camp Nou, even with a reduced capacity, will provide a much-needed boost to the club's finances.
While the full completion of the Spotify Camp Nou is still some time away, the partial reopening on August 10, 2025, marks a momentous occasion for FC Barcelona and its fans. It signifies a return to their beloved home and the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history.
