FC Barcelona is set to make a triumphant return to Spotify Camp Nou, with the iconic stadium approved to host fans at a reduced capacity.
After a prolonged absence from their iconic home, FC Barcelona is on the verge of a significant milestone in their storied history.
The club has been navigating a complex renovation project at Spotify Camp Nou, balancing ambitious upgrades with the desire to return to their beloved stadium.
With construction progressing in phases, the club is now poised to welcome fans back, albeit in a limited capacity, as they prepare to resume La Liga action at the venue.
On September 14, Barcelona will host Valencia in their first home game of the La Liga season at Spotify Camp Nou, with the Barcelona City Council approving a reduced capacity of 27,000 fans.
This figure, reported by Mundo Deportivo, is notably lower than the initially planned 60,000 due to ongoing renovations.
The first phase of the project, dubbed Phase 1a, includes the south goal and main grandstand, sufficient to accommodate this number of spectators for the upcoming match.
The renovation is being executed in a phased approach to expedite approvals and ensure safety. Phase 1b will expand capacity to 45,000 by including the side stand, while Phase 1c will add the north goal, reaching 60,000.
Looking ahead, Phase 2, set to begin next year, aims to complete the top tier, ultimately boosting the stadium’s capacity to nearly 105,000.
By certifying each section individually, Barcelona can secure partial occupancy permits, allowing a gradual return to hosting matches.
Acting mayor Jordi Valls emphasized that safety remains paramount, with the club needing three key approvals—completion, environmental control, and a Les Corts district permit—before fans can enter.
Rigorous safety inspections will ensure compliance.
As Barcelona prepares for this partial homecoming against Valencia, the limited capacity marks a cautious but exciting step toward reclaiming Camp Nou’s status as a footballing fortress, with the promise of a fully revitalized stadium on the horizon.
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