Barcelona will return to their iconic stadium this weekend, marking the end of a two-and-a-half-year absence. The club confirmed that its La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday will be the first match played at the partially renovated Camp Nou.
While construction continues, the venue will operate with a reduced capacity of 45,401 spectators for this initial match. The final project aims to expand the stadium’s seating to nearly 105,000, a significant increase from its previous limit. Completed upgrades for this opening include a new players’ tunnel and renovated dressing room facilities.
The club has expressed profound anticipation for the homecoming, framing it as the realization of a long-held objective. Barcelona recently held a public training session at the ground and is now seeking approval from European football’s governing body to host its upcoming Champions League group stage match in December. Since the renovation began, the team has played its home fixtures at the city’s Olympic Stadium.