Discover when Barça will return to Spotify Camp Nou and why the Champions League is key

FC Barcelona is still waiting to know when it will be able to return to its great home, the Spotify Camp Nou, which, as is well known, has been undergoing renovation and modernization since the end of 2022. The reopening of the stadium has been delayed longer than expected due to delays in the work directed by the Turkish construction company Limak, caused by various unforeseen events inherent to works of such magnitude as the one being carried out at the Les Corts venue.

At this point, FC Barcelona practically takes it for granted that it will not return to the Spotify Camp Nou during the 2024-25 season. Proof of this is that the club officially extended its permission to occupy the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until May 20, two days after the last league match at home, scheduled for May 18 against Villarreal CF.

With this panorama, different scenarios are already being considered regarding the expected return to the Spotify Camp Nou. The Catalan team's plan is clear: to return to their stadium from the 2025-26 season. It is estimated that, at that time, the venue will be able to accommodate about 60,000 spectators, as long as the relevant usage licenses are obtained from the competent authorities.

The Champions League as a Key Date for the Return

According to various sources, FC Barcelona already has a priority date marked for its return to the Spotify Camp Nou. Although at some point it was speculated that the return could coincide with the dispute of the Joan Gamper Trophy in August (still without a defined date), the management is working with another objective: that the stadium is operational for the start of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, scheduled for mid-September.

It is important to remember that the next edition of the Champions League will begin on September 16. For the 'culés', it is key to have the Spotify Camp Nou ready by then, as UEFA regulations require teams to play the group stage with a fixed venue for home matches. In that sense, the 'culé' team does not plan to request the occupation permit for the Estadi Olímpic again for the next season.

Accelerated Works to Meet Deadlines

Currently, FC Barcelona is doing everything possible to have the Spotify Camp Nou ready within the stipulated timeframe. In recent weeks, the works have been intensified, including 24-hour workdays during the week and also work on Saturdays. The objective is to obtain all the necessary permits during the summer to complete the conditioning of the stadium.

The Roof, Postponed to Facilitate the Return

A key factor that may facilitate Barcelona's return to the Spotify Camp Nou in September is the club's decision to delay the installation of the new roof by one year, initially planned for before installing the seats. Now, its placement is scheduled for May 2026, once the 2025-26 season concludes.

To prevent the future installation of the roof from damaging the seats, the project managers have designed a system with temporary structures that will not compromise their integrity. Although the installation of the roof may last up to four and a half months, the club is evaluating formulas to accelerate this process without affecting the start of the 2026-27 season.