Barcelona Pushes Back Camp Nou Homecoming Again as Stadium Woes Continue
The ongoing Camp Nou homecoming story has taken yet another turn, as Barcelona is now considering the option of delaying their return to their iconic stadium until November.
Based on multiple Spanish media outlets, the club might postpone their Camp Nou comeback until both side stands receive official approval to accommodate supporters.
The initial strategy involved reopening in phases, starting with accommodating 27,000 spectators by utilizing the Tribuna and Garda Sur (ground-level sections behind the dugouts and southern end). However, by postponing until November, the side stands could also be completed, potentially increasing the venue's capacity to approximately 45,000.
Following their opening two home fixtures at the 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona moved back to their temporary residence of the past two campaigns at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, welcoming nearly 55,000 supporters for their victory over Real Sociedad. An even greater attendance is anticipated for their upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Why Barcelona Could Delay the Return to Camp Nou Until November
With Barcelona comfortably settled at Montjuic, club executives believe that returning to Camp Nou with only 27,000 available seats could prove disadvantageous for two key reasons.
The organization would generate greater revenue by remaining at Montjuic, where they can accommodate twice as many fans compared to what would be possible with the initial Camp Nou occupancy permit.
Additionally, returning under the preliminary occupancy license would also hinder construction progress, extending the timeline for completing the side stands. According to Sport, construction experts are confident the side stands could be finished by November without significant issues, provided no matches are held at Camp Nou in the interim.
UEFA has designated Barcelona's October 21 Champions League home fixture against Olympiacos to take place at Camp Nou. Nevertheless, UEFA also mandates that the side stands be operational, making it probable the match will be held at Montjuic instead.
Should Barcelona proceed with their Camp Nou return after the November international window, the November 23 encounter with Athletic Bilbao could serve as the target date. If this plan comes to fruition, the stadium would reopen exactly one year later than initially anticipated.