Barcelona to play first home fixture at Johan Cruyff Stadium as Nou Camp renovations continue

Barcelona will host their first La Liga home game at the 6,000-seat Johan Cruyff Stadium, as the newly renovated Nou Camp remains closed pending final approval.

Ongoing Nou Camp renovations

Work on the Nou Camp began in June 2023 with a 1.3bn-euro plan to modernize the stadium and increase its capacity to 105,000. Originally set to reopen in November 2024, the club has yet to secure the Final Construction Certificate from Barcelona City Council.

Alternative venue and financial impact

Without clearance to operate the Nou Camp, Barcelona applied to play their first three home matches away. The Olympic Stadium was unavailable due to a Post Malone concert, leaving the Johan Cruyff Stadium—home to the women’s and youth teams—as the only option. The reduced capacity risks significant matchday revenue losses, though the club hopes to recoup income once the full stadium reopens.

Ticketing and fan reaction

With only 6,000 seats available, Barcelona held a ballot exclusive to members who held full season tickets in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, totalling 16,151 applicants. Many supporters, including member Miquel Taberner, expressed disappointment at the temporary relocation, highlighting the emotional loss of playing away from the Camp Nou.

Valencia’s response

Valencia CF formally questioned the late venue change and will be allocated 290 tickets for their fans. Striker Diego Lopez said the uncertainty around the stadium choice should have been resolved earlier “for the team and the supporters”.

New reopening timeline

Barcelona sources indicate the Nou Camp could welcome supporters for the La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad on 28 September, but details for the Getafe match on 21 September remain unconfirmed. City Council approval is expected “in the coming weeks”.

Barcelona will kick off their home campaign at a smaller venue due to pending stadium clearances, impacting both matchday revenue and fan experience until the Nou Camp reopens.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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