After a long exile far from its temple, FC Barcelona return this Saturday to Camp Nou, the stadium that has marked the club’s history since 1957. The return is accompanied by the licence to occupy Phase 1B, which will allow the stadium to partially reopen and welcome more than 45,000 fans in a key milestone for the Espai Barça.
The homecoming coincides with a day eagerly awaited by the fans: the Spotify Camp Nou will once again host an official match, with Barça taking on Athletic Club in a collective celebration of the reunion with the stadium.
The biggest architectural project in the club’s history
The current renovation is part of the Espai Barça, which aims to turn the stadium into the largest and most innovative sports and entertainment venue in the centre of a major city.
With the authorised partial reopening, the public will now be able to see several of the project’s most visible advances. The side grandstand features new and fully operational areas, with enlarged entrances, renovated staircases and updated evacuation systems to meet new safety standards.
The internal infrastructures have also been reinforced, from the telecommunications networks to the stadium’s electrical and control systems, with connectivity designed to support matches with tens of thousands of devices connected simultaneously.
The technical areas have also taken a qualitative leap forward. The players’ tunnels and changing rooms have been redesigned to improve internal flow and further professionalise the players’ experience. In addition, a new efficient sports lighting system has been installed, in line with current and future broadcasting requirements, and part of the stadium’s perimeter structure has been renovated so that construction can continue as the stadium gradually welcomes new spectators.
And what is still to come?
What visitors will see now is just the beginning. In the coming months, the upper tiers will be gradually expanded, with the aim of reaching a final capacity of more than 105,000 spectators, making the new Spotify Camp Nou the largest stadium in Europe.
The complete construction of the new third tier, one of the most emblematic architectural pieces of the final design, is planned, as well as the installation of the 360º roof that will integrate photovoltaic panels, energy collection systems and sustainable management technology.
Progress will also continue to be made on the innovation ring that will shape the future fan experience: giant screens, expanded gastronomic areas, interactive spaces, new routes, redesigned VIP areas and a museum completely transformed and integrated into the stadium itself. All of this will form part of the project that Nikken Sekkei, IDOM and b720 have been adjusting over the last few years to adapt it to more efficient, modern criteria that respect the original architecture.
The ultimate goal is to turn the stadium not only into a reference stadium, but also into the largest and most advanced sports and entertainment venue located in the centreof a large city, an architectural, technological and social landmark that will mark the next era of FC Barcelona.
A return loaded with symbolism
This Saturday, however, the technical aspects will take a back seat. After almost three years in Montjuïc, Barça returns home and does so with a party to match its history. The fans return to the place where the club’s greatest pages have been written, and the Camp Nou opens a new chapter full of excitement.
Access to the stadium will open at 14:15, two hours before kick-off. From that moment on, fans will be able to enjoy a music session by Mon DJ, who will be in charge of creating a rhythmic atmosphere before the match.
About 15 minutes before kick-off, after the warm-up, the duo Figa Flawas will get the crowd going with their hits. And when the players take to the pitch, the Cor Jove del Orfeó Català will perform the ‘Cant del Barça’ in a special version accompanied by a pyrotechnical display synchronised to the music.
During half-time, it will be the turn of The Tyets, one of the most popular groups on the Catalan scene, who will be back to provide musical entertainment for the first team. The club says that these are just some of the surprises planned to make the day an unforgettable celebration.