Barcelona have confirmed that they will not return to the Camp Nou before May as the extensive stadium renovation project continues.
The club will continue to play their home matches at the Olympic Stadium, including the crucial La Liga fixtures against Real Madrid and Villarreal.
While a return to Camp Nou in May has not been entirely ruled out, the club has officially announced that they will remain at the Olympic Stadium until at least April 23rd, when they host Mallorca.
This extended stay at the Olympic Stadium will also impact Barcelona’s participation in the Champions League. UEFA regulations stipulate that clubs cannot use multiple venues during the knockout stages of the competition.
The club had initially hoped to return to Camp Nou in November 2023 to commemorate their 125th anniversary.
However, delays in the renovation process, particularly with the second tier of the stadium, have pushed back the timeline.
David Escudé (City of Barcelona sports councillor): “The Spotify Camp Nou is the most suitable choice to host the 2030 World Cup final. It’s the largest stadium in Spain, and it has the appeal of the great city of Barcelona. This cannot be ignored.” pic.twitter.com/DbB9AaXMHE
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 16, 2025
The installation of the new pitch is also expected to take up to three months, further delaying the club’s return to their iconic home ground.
When Barcelona finally return to Camp Nou, attendance will be initially capped at around 60,000 as work on the stadium continues.
The completed renovation is expected to be finished by the summer of 2026, with the stadium’s capacity increasing to approximately 105,000, making it the largest stadium in Europe.
