Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski should wait a bit longer to grace the brand new Spotify Camp Nou, as Barcelona has chosen to not return to its iconic dwelling simply but, regardless of receiving permission to reopen it for followers. The choice, whereas stunning, comes with a strategic rationalization — one which ties on to the membership’s long-term monetary and sporting imaginative and prescient.
After greater than two years away from Camp Nou, Barcelona lastly acquired the long-awaited first-occupancy license for its rebuilt dwelling. The approval, granted by the Barcelona Metropolis Council, permits the membership to reopen a portion of the stadium with a restricted capability of 27,000 spectators.
The allow marks the completion of Section 1A of the stadium reconstruction, a part of the huge Espai Barca mission valued at almost $1.8 billion. The renovation consists of a brand new gamers’ tunnel, up to date locker rooms, enhanced security methods, and cutting-edge digital entry options designed to satisfy UEFA requirements. But, regardless of this inexperienced gentle, the membership made the sudden name to remain put at Montjuic, the place it has been enjoying its dwelling video games since 2023.
Vice President Elena Fort, who oversees the Espai Barca mission, expressed each pleasure and warning when talking to RAC1: “We acquired the license with nice pleasure and warning. Lastly, we have now this primary allow. We’re very comfortable; we’re all wanting ahead to having fun with this Spotify Camp Nou, to returning dwelling, however there’s nonetheless lots of work to be performed.”
Work at Spotify Camp Nou
Why Barcelona is holding off its homecoming
At first look, the choice to delay the return puzzled many followers desirous to see Hansi Flick’s crew — led by stars Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski — again below the well-known roof of Camp Nou. Nevertheless, the explanation behind the delay is easy but essential: the membership needs to attend for the completion of Section 1B, which might enhance capability to 47,000 followers and guarantee increased matchday income.
Financially, it makes extra sense to proceed enjoying at Montjuic, which presently hosts as much as 55,000 spectators, producing extra ticket and hospitality revenue. Returning now, with lower than half that capability, would imply working at a loss.
Fort went on to clarify this logic clearly: “We hope that part 1B, which might accommodate 47,000 spectators, will probably be accredited quickly, as a result of the works are completed and it’s a matter of permits and mission validation, and it’s less complicated than the accredited part.”
The vp added that the subsequent milestone — Section 1B — includes largely stands fairly than underground development, making it “much less complicated” and faster to approve. And right here lies the hidden motive: Barcelona’s alternative to not reopen Camp Nou but is pushed primarily by monetary optimization. Internet hosting matches for under 27,000 followers would drastically cut back income streams, one thing the membership can in poor health afford, given their ongoing $595 million mortgage with Goldman Sachs tied to the stadium mission.
When will Barcelona return to Camp Nou?
As issues stand, Barcelona’s comeback to its dwelling might occur as quickly as late November, presumably in the course of the La Liga fixture in opposition to Athletic Membership. Fort herself hinted that this date, which coincides with the membership’s 126th anniversary, could be a really perfect second for a “grand return.”
Till then, the Blaugrana will proceed to host its video games at Montjuic, together with fixtures in opposition to Girona, Olympiacos, and Elche, earlier than doubtlessly returning dwelling in time for the winter fixtures.
