Barcelona Executive Reveals When Camp Nou Will Welcome Fans Back Home
Barcelona official Joan Sentelles has announced the club's optimism about staging their inaugural match at the refurbished Camp Nou when Athletic Club visits on November 22.
After receiving authorization to return with significantly limited seating, Barcelona awaits the granting of license 1B, which would enable them to open an additional section and accommodate 45,401 supporters—comparable to the capacity at their interim venue, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
To obtain this permit, Barcelona conducted an open training session at Camp Nou on Friday, welcoming 23,000 supporters in what served as the stadium's first genuine capacity test. Should the renovation assessors approve the facility, authorization to utilize more sections of the venue may follow shortly.
"Our objective is to have everything prepared for the Athletic Club fixture," Sentelles, who supervises the renovation project, told Esport3.
"Once we receive the 1B permit, we'll activate the Lateral Stand, providing us with capacity equivalent to the Olympic Stadium. At that stage, continuing to play elsewhere would be illogical—all our fixtures will take place here."
Regarding future aspirations, Sentelles stated: "Our target is to have the complete stadium accessible to 62,000 spectators by year's end."
Joan Laporta: New Stadium to Boost Performances As Well As Revenue
Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Camp Nou and the possibility of witnessing competitive matches resume at the club's iconic home venue in the upcoming weeks.
"I haven't received reports of any issues thus far," he stated. "We possess the preliminary occupancy authorization; it accommodates 27,000 spectators, but we're awaiting the 1B license to allow 45,000 attendees. That would encompass the entire stadium excluding the North Stand.
"We are striving to ensure that once we obtain the 1B authorization, we can commence play. Should they approve it next week, we could host [Athletic Club]. However, we will begin playing immediately upon receiving permission. We must adhere to scheduling commitments."
Beyond providing a crucial financial boost to Barcelona's coffers, Laporta believes returning to Camp Nou will also motivate enhanced on-field performances.
"This venue will deliver superior comfort and security, while tripling our income," he forecasted. "This will substantially enhance the club's financial position. We preserved it, and now it's rebounding. We're already producing additional revenue, which appears in the club's financial records. The construction was essential to maintain our elite status and guarantee the club's economic and competitive sustainability.
"The Spotify Camp Nou is a football venue. The players were amazed when they emerged. For those who had visited previously, it's like entering tomorrow.
"Several players had never experienced Camp Nou before. They completed their initial training session and we're very near to returning, which is their desire. The environment can greatly assist them.
"Montjuïc has performed better than anticipated. With 45,000 seats, we're positioned to achieve our budget target of €1.025 billion ($1.2 billion). With 62,000, we'll be significantly better positioned, and I anticipate we'll surpass the budget.
"The stadium remains under development and will be completed, excluding the roof, by late 2026. Our income forecasts were cautious; we believe it will exceed expectations."