Barcelona held an open training session on Friday at Spotify Camp Nou, welcoming 23,000 supporters as they move closer to returning to their iconic stadium.
Idman.Biz reports that Barca have not played at Camp Nou since 2023, when they temporarily relocated to the Olympic Stadium for a €1.5 billion refurbishment. The session served as a test ahead of a hoped-for return for official games later this month. President Joan Laporta indicated the club aims to host LaLiga matches either against Athletic Club on Nov. 22 or Alaves on Nov. 29, coinciding with Barca’s 126th anniversary. If not, the next match could be against Atletico Madrid on Dec. 2.
Currently, the stadium has a permit for 25,991 fans, but Barca are awaiting approval to host 45,401. Renovations continue, with the first two tiers largely finished, while the third tier and roof remain under construction. Full completion is projected for 2027, eventually increasing capacity to 105,000. The return has been delayed several times, initially planned for late 2024, then earlier this season, but permit delays forced Barca to play their opening games at the 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff. The club hopes last Sunday’s 3-1 win over Elche will be their final home game away from Camp Nou.
