The Comeback Night: Barca Sets Date for First Post-Renovation Camp Nou Showdown
7 November 2025
A highly anticipated reopening at Camp Nou
Barcelona are edging toward hosting fans for the first team at the renovated Camp Nou after months of work. The club last played at the old stadium on May 28, 2023, against Mallorca (3-0), about two and a half years ago before the closure for upgrades.
Dates, licensing, and the fan-first plan
Renovation chief Juan Centelles has outlined the target date for the first match in the newly upgraded venue: November 22, when Barcelona hosts Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
In addition to the symbolic reopening, a short training session will be held for fans, lasting around 45-60 minutes, marking the club's emotional return to its iconic home.
The plan depends on licensing steps: 1B would allow 45,000 spectators; currently 23,000 are admitted on the south stand and main platform. The next 1A license covers the south stand and main platform for the top two divisions, and the 1C license expected in December would open the north stand, enabling the stadium to operate at full capacity.
Many players and the technical staff have not played at Camp Nou in a competitive match, including the German coach Hansi Flick; a few players such as Chesny and Marcus Rashford have visited as guests, while youngsters like Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Koparci, and Gerard Martin will experience it for the first time.
Entry and safety guidance
Barca issued instructions to fans to ensure smooth access, directing pedestrians to entrances Q-V-W-D-E-F and urging use of public transport as cars will be restricted and security areas will be in effect. Supporters are asked to go directly to their seats.
The partial return to Camp Nou represents an emotional milestone for Barca's supporters who long awaited their team's presence in the legendary venue, which is poised to regain its shine as one of football's great stadiums.
Laporta’s sense of joy
Barça president Joan Laporta appeared incredibly pleased to train at Camp Nou with roughly 22,000 spectators in attendance, praising youngster Lamine Yamal. In remarks to journalists, Laporta said, "The feeling is good; we don't have information about any issues."
"If we obtain the 1B license next week, we can welcome 45,000 spectators and resume play here as soon as possible; we are pressing forward," he added. When asked about returning on November 22 if 1B is granted early, Laporta replied, "If we get the license next week, that could happen." He emphasized focus on daily improvement, trust in players and coach Hansi Flick, and the drive to close the gap with Real Madrid while pursuing success in the Champions League in London, with injuries being managed."
He also noted: "Entering Camp Nou today felt like stepping into the future—nostalgia and a brighter horizon, a gem in architectural form."
Laporta described the stadium's profitability: "With matches at 45,000 spectators, we're aiming at revenue of 1.025 billion euros; later, with 62,000 capacity, things should run smoothly and align with investor expectations."
Finally, he said: "The renovation was essential to keep Barca at the top level and ensure our continuity."
Punchline 1: Camp Nou’s renovation is so slick that even my Wi‑Fi wants an upgrade to bandwidth for the grand opening.
Punchline 2: Barca expanding capacity to 62k is great news for fans—and for my jokes, which always look for a bigger stage.
