FC Barcelona is poised to make a highly anticipated return to their iconic home, the Camp Nou, on November 22, ending a two-year period of absence while the stadium underwent extensive renovations. The Catalan giants will welcome Athletic Bilbao for a significant La Liga Matchweek 13 fixture, marking a pivotal moment for the club and its loyal fanbase.
This upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao will be Barcelona’s first at the Camp Nou since May 28, 2023. While the club celebrates this homecoming, the stadium’s ambitious renovation project is still actively underway. Consequently, for this initial return, the capacity will be limited to 45,401 spectators. This controlled capacity is a temporary measure as construction progresses towards the grand vision of a fully modernized venue capable of hosting up to 105,000 fans upon its complete reopening.
During their two-year relocation, Barcelona primarily utilized other venues as temporary home grounds. This period, while necessary for the stadium’s upgrade, reportedly led to significant revenue losses for the club, underscoring the importance of returning to their spiritual home. The club views this return to the Camp Nou not just as a fixture but as a special celebration, signaling a new chapter in its history.
In a demonstration of their commitment to the renovated stadium, Barcelona has even approached the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) with a request to host a future UEFA Champions League match, potentially against Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2025-26 season, at the Camp Nou even as parts of the renovation might still be ongoing. UEFA’s decision regarding this request is not yet known. The prospect of Barcelona playing again on their hallowed ground has generated immense excitement among supporters, who have eagerly awaited this reunion with their great home stadium after a prolonged two-year wait. Despite the initial spectator limitations, the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans reclaim their place in the stands.
