Barça Moves Closer to Reopening Camp Nou with a 27,000-Seat First Step
7 October 2025
Progress Toward Camp Nou Reopening
Barcelona's board is moving closer to returning to its historic home, Spotify Camp Nou, as the club awaits an Early Occupancy permit from the regional town hall—the official authorization that would allow spectators back into the stands with an initial capacity of 27,000, including the main stand and part of the Gol Sud section, as part of the first phase of the reopening plan.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the city council has asked Barça to carry out a structural inspection, which would include halting works supervised by Lima Construction in the area to pave the way for an on-site assessment.
The on-site visit by municipal technicians had not occurred yesterday, but is expected in the coming days, with club insiders sensing that local authorities are being overly cautious.
Despite the council's request, construction has not stopped entirely in the lateral stand area of phase two; work continues in Gol Nord, the slowest area and part of phase three.
Over recent months, Barça has addressed all notes from the city council and fire services, hoping to obtain the green light to operate a portion of the stadium ahead of their match against Girona, set for Saturday October 18 at 16:15.
For the Champions League clash with Olympiakos on October 21, the club confirmed it will be played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which seats 50,300, due to an incomplete opening of Camp Nou's lateral stand in the Les Corts district.
Barça hopes the new inspection results and final municipal approvals will allow a gradual return to their home, eventually opening stands 1 and 2 fully to about 62,000 fans in a future phase.
History and Significance of Camp Nou
Camp Nou is one of the most emblematic sporting venues in the world, not only as Barça's home but as a cultural icon reflecting Catalan identity, especially during periods of social mobilization.
It officially opened on September 24, 1957 with a friendly between Barcelona and Legia Warsaw, drawing huge crowds and beginning a long history of triumphs and memories.
The idea to build Camp Nou emerged in the 1950s when Les Corts, Barça's previous ground, could no longer accommodate growing fan numbers.
The project was conceived as a grand symbol befitting a club expanding both athletically and in terms of fan support, and construction lasted three years at a cost of around 288 million pesetas.
Since its inauguration, Camp Nou has hosted major events, including the 1999 European Cup final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich, a match famed for its late drama and dramatic comebacks.
It also hosted World Cup matches in 1982 and football during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Barça's legend grew with stars like Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi gracing its surface, each era leaving a lasting mark.
Under Pep Guardiola, Camp Nou became the stage for a historic treble in 2009, and the stadium's atmosphere—especially the south stand, Gol Sud—emerged as a symbol of the club's fervent support.
Over the years, the stadium's capacity has fluctuated, once surpassing 120,000, later stabilized around 99,000 for safety, yet it remains Europe’s most iconic arena in spirit for many fans.
Today, Barça's modernization project envisions a modern, state-of-the-art Camp Nou that preserves its soul while expanding seating and improving facilities for an unforgettable fan experience.
PUNCHLINE: If Camp Nou reopens, even the popcorn will demand a seat at the table—talk about a full house. PUNCHLINE 2: Barça’s comeback plan is so meticulous that the stadium lights will probably file a health and safety briefing before turning on.
