The FC Barcelona is preparing to take an important step toward sustainability with the return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The club has presented its Sustainable Mobility Plan, a strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the stadium and improving the quality of life for neighbors by limiting private vehicle access to only a third of the attendees. This initiative reflects Barça's commitment to sustainability and promoting more ecological and accessible modes of transport.
Fewer cars, more sustainable mobility
The return of Barça to Camp Nou will involve a series of restrictions on access to the stadium, with a reduction in the use of private vehicles. According to the plan, only 33% of fans will be able to access the stadium by car or motorcycle, representing a significant decrease compared to the levels before the stadium renovations, where around 50% of attendees arrived by private vehicle.
According to FC Barcelona, the goal is to promote greater sustainable mobility and reduce the carbon footprint generated by mass access to the stadium. Instead of traditional cars and motorcycles, preference will be given to more ecological options such as public transport and walking. This way, the club aims to balance the use of the facilities with the need to respect the urban environment and the needs of the neighbors.
Access on foot and by public transport
36% of attendees will access Spotify Camp Nou on foot, highlighting the interest in enhancing movement through safe and efficient pedestrian routes. Additionally, 30% of fans will use public transport to reach the stadium, with the metro, buses, and tram being the most favored options. The creation of new bus stops and improvements to the metro stations in the vicinity of the stadium will facilitate this type of access.
In this regard, Jordi Portabella, the club's Sustainability Director, explained: “We have conducted a thorough study of nearby bus stops and metro stations, so members can choose the fastest and most convenient option.” Barça has also collaborated with the City of Barcelona to increase the frequency and improve the connectivity of public transport in the stadium area, as well as to expand the Bicing zones.
The Sustainable Mobility Plan not only focuses on improving accessibility to the stadium but also on reducing the disruptions that match days usually cause for residents in the Les Corts neighborhood. According to Councilor David Escudé, this plan involves a "mindset change" both for fans and residents, as the goal is to create a more pleasant and less congested environment around the stadium.
One of the main measures will be the restriction of private vehicle access to the Les Corts neighborhood on match days. This measure will only allow access for private vehicles of residents, which will significantly reduce traffic volume in the areas around Camp Nou. Access will be monitored through traffic cameras, which will identify unauthorized vehicles and ensure that only residents can access their homes.
In addition, the number of parking spaces for cars and motorcycles will be drastically reduced. Inside the stadium, there will be only 950 parking spaces for private vehicles, while around the stadium, there will be about 9,100 additional private parking spaces, many of which will be outside the immediate vicinity of Camp Nou. The measure also includes a significant increase in motorcycle parking spaces, which will be relocated to a specific parking area at the Campus Universitari to prevent motorcycles from occupying sidewalks and nearby streets.
Phased return and limited capacity
The return of Barça to its stadium will take place in a phased manner. In the first phase, 60% of the total capacity of Camp Nou (around 63,000 people) will be available for fans. As the renovations progress and improvements are completed, the capacity will increase to the 105,000 spectators planned for the final phase of the project.
During this initial phase, special emphasis will be placed on ensuring that fans' mobility is as efficient and sustainable as possible, with a notable investment in public infrastructure to facilitate stadium access without the need for private cars.
Promotion of personal mobility vehicles and buses
The plan also includes the integration of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), such as electric scooters and bicycles, as a transport option within the Camp Nou perimeter. Specific parking areas will be designated for these vehicles, promoting their use as a sustainable alternative to private cars.
Furthermore, the use of buses will be one of the preferred options for groups of fans. The municipality of Barcelona and the club will work together to create new routes and stops for buses and coaches, to facilitate access to the stadium without generating congestion in the surrounding areas.