“This is a legacy for future Barca supporters.”
According to talkSPORT reporting, Barcelona reopened the Nou Camp to fans on Friday for the first time in 895 days, despite the stadium’s £1.3billion renovation still being far from completion. Around 23,000 supporters attended an open training session, which served as a test event as the club eyes a return to its iconic ground later in November.
The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2024, has faced major delays. Barcelona currently have a licence to host 25,991 spectators and are awaiting local council approval to expand capacity to 45,401 before staging official matches. President Joan Laporta said potential comeback dates include LaLiga fixtures against Athletic Bilbao on November 22 or Alaves on November 29, coinciding with the club’s 126th anniversary.
Laporta described stepping back into the stadium as emotional, saying, “When I entered the Spotify Camp Nou, I relived so many memories from the past. But I also see the present and the future. This is a legacy for future Barca supporters.”
The redevelopment is expected to be fully completed by 2027, with the stadium eventually accommodating 105,000 fans. Laporta added he would love to welcome Lionel Messi for the full inauguration when the project is finished.