Barcelona Plans Partial Camp Nou Return September 14 Amid Renovation

Barcelona is on track to return to their home stadium, the Spotify Camp Nou, for the first time since renovations began nearly two years ago, with a phased reopening planned for the 2025–26 season. The City Council has granted a modified license allowing a reduced capacity of around 30,000 fans initially, with the Grandstand and South Goal sections set to be ready for the season opener against Valencia on September 14. Earlier plans to accommodate 60,000 fans for the opening match were scaled back due to construction delays, but the club aims to gradually increase capacity to 45,000 and eventually 60,000 as additional sections reopen. Inspections by La Liga, UEFA, and the European Club Association are scheduled for August and early September to approve safety and infrastructure standards. Although some board members suggested continuing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the full season, club president Joan Laporta emphasized the symbolic importance of an immediate return to Camp Nou. The stadium's final phase, including the installation of a new tensioned cable roof, is planned after the 2025–26 season and may require a temporary return to the alternate stadium during part of 2026–27.