Stadium Work Sparks Controversy: Bilbao Blocked from a Not-Quite-Ready Camp Nou

Match barred at Camp Nou: Bilbao denied away attendance

Barcelona announced that Athletic Bilbao supporters would be barred from attending the upcoming clash, this Saturday, at Spotify Camp Nou, due to away facilities not being ready amid ongoing renovation work.

The decision sparked controversy among Basque fans, with Barça saying it cannot guarantee safety or adequate segregation for spectators.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça informed Bilbao that the match would be played without away fans because there are no dedicated areas and access routes that would allow separate ingress and egress, a prerequisite for official competitions.

Barça also confirmed that Spotify Camp Nou remains under construction and does not yet include an isolated zone to guarantee away supporters' safety.

In its official letter to Bilbao, Barça explained that current conditions do not allow segregation or controlled crowd flow as required by safety regulations, and that the stadium still lacks the structural provisions to host visiting fans securely.

Athletic Bilbao issued a statement to fans detailing the reasons relayed by the Catalan club that prevented the usual allocation of away tickets.

The statement read that the match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at the new Spotify Camp Nou this Saturday will not include the usual tickets allocated to our supporters due to these reasons.

The Basque club explained that the current 1B license for Spotify Camp Nou does not allow proper separation or the minimum safety protections needed to host visiting fans, making secure entry and exit routes impossible until improvements are completed in the coming weeks.

It also noted that entrances are not independent; the current entry and exit points do not allow exclusive routes for away supporters, leaving a risk of mixing with local fans.

The statement added that the stands lack the necessary structural elements to isolate an away-fan area.

Bilbao noted that 468 of its members had already registered for the ticket lottery, priced at 30 euros.

Camp Nou: a history of evolution and Espai Barça

Camp Nou is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world and a symbol of Barça's identity.

It officially opened on September 24, 1957, after years of planning to meet the club's growing needs amid successive successes in Spanish football.

Its creation replaced the old ground that could not accommodate the growing crowds.

Over the decades, Camp Nou has undergone numerous developments: in the 70s and 80s, expanded terraces, added comfortable seating, improved media and hospitality areas, and later installed modern lighting and display boards with advances in safety and security, enhancing the fan experience.

Camp Nou remains more than a stadium; it is a symbol of the club and its fans, with every corner recalling victories and both European and domestic battles. It has become a major tourist hub, welcoming thousands of visitors annually to tour the museum and the stadium.

Espai Barça, a new phase

In recent years, Camp Nou has entered a new development phase with the Espai Barça project to update all club facilities and raise capacity.

The project includes infrastructure upgrades, multi-use areas, improved fan services, and cutting-edge lighting, sound, and surveillance technology.

The aim is to make Camp Nou one of the most advanced stadiums in the world while preserving its historical and cultural identity.

Camp Nou remains a true icon of football, not only for its size and distinctive design but also as a symbol of the club and its supporters, with every corner holding memories of successes and decisive moments in European and domestic competitions.

Thus, the history of Camp Nou mirrors Barça's history, reflecting the club's drive to evolve with the times without abandoning its rich heritage.

Punchline 1: If the guests can’t enter yet, at least the stadium can offer a masterclass in construction chic—hard hats optional, but curiosity mandatory.

Punchline 2: Espai Barça might soon include a blueprint section where fans study stadium design while pretending to be part of the security team. Comedy club mode: activated, on the building site stage.