Barcelona is reportedly planning an early return to Camp Nou as renovations progress, potentially welcoming fans back to their iconic home stadium sooner than initially expected.
After prolonged delays in their stadium renovation, FC Barcelona is reportedly planning a return to the Camp Nou as early as next week for a public, open training session, aimed at testing the logistics of the partially completed venue.
FC Barcelona is finally closing in on a return to their spiritual home, the Camp Nou, with reports suggesting a public training session could take place as soon as November 7.
According to FotMob and related reports, the event will serve as a critical dress rehearsal before the official hosting of competitive matches.
The club has been absent from the Camp Nou for over two seasons, playing instead at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
While the Catalans secured the Phase 1A occupancy license, allowing for approximately 27,000 spectators, the club has opted to delay match returns until Phase 1B approval is granted, which would increase capacity to over 45,000 fans.
The open training session, tentatively scheduled for November 7, two days before the team’s trip to face Celta Vigo, is being proposed by the Barcelona City Council to allow inspectors to assess the renovated stadium’s logistics and crowd management as a trial run for a matchday. A successful test is crucial to expedite the Phase 1B license.
Should the trial run smoothly, the club hopes to host their La Liga fixture against Athletic Club on November 22 at the renovated stadium, marking the first official game there in 909 days.
FotMob report notes: “If next week’s test goes smoothly, then Barcelona’s dream of hosting their Nov. 22 La Liga clash against Athletic Club at Camp Nou might become a reality.” The operation is ongoing, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.