Barcelona fans hoping to watch their team back at the iconic Nou Camp will have to wait a little longer.
The club’s next LaLiga fixtures will again take place away from their legendary home, forcing players and supporters into a temporary, much smaller venue.
Matches Shift to the Estadi Johan Cruyff
This week, Barca will host their LaLiga games at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a compact 6,000-seater stadium where the women’s and academy teams usually play.
The first home fixture of the season against Valencia was already held there, and the upcoming clash with Getafe will follow suit.
“The club continues to work intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of Spotify Camp Nou in the near future,” Barcelona said in a statement.
Delays and Construction Setbacks
Plans to reopen the Nou Camp at a reduced 27,000 capacity at the start of the season were thwarted by bureaucratic and construction delays.
Work on the £1.25 billion redevelopment began in 2023, aiming to expand the stadium to 105,000 seats, add a new roof, and enhance corporate facilities.
However, setbacks have pushed back several deadlines.
Barcelona were first set to return last November, with revised plans for February and May also slipping. Even the Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for August, had to be moved.
Temporary Relocations and Ongoing Challenges
Last season, Barca also had to relocate to the 55,000-capacity Estadi Lluis Companys due to a Post Malone concert at the Nou Camp.
Now, even smaller temporary venues are being used while the club awaits final permits from the city council.
The “First Occupancy Licence,” required to welcome fans back, cannot be granted until a final works certificate is presented—a step still pending.
When Could Fans Return?
Inside sources hope the first team might return to the Nou Camp on September 28 for a match against Real Sociedad, possibly at a reduced capacity near the originally planned 27,000.
With the Champions League resuming this week and Barcelona set to face PSG on October 1, meeting UEFA’s criteria for the renovated stadium remains a critical challenge.
Looking Ahead
Until construction concludes in 2026, the Nou Camp will continue to operate at a limited capacity of 50,000 to 60,000—if even that is achievable.
Despite the setbacks, Barcelona remains committed to completing the ambitious redevelopment that will redefine one of football’s most famous arenas.