Barcelona Hold Open Training at Camp Nou Ahead of Planned Stadium Return

Barcelona welcomed around 23,000 supporters to an open training session at Spotify Camp Nou on Friday, marking a public step toward the club’s anticipated return to their historic home stadium.

Camp Nou Renovation and Temporary Relocation

Since 2023, Barça have been playing at the Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou undergoes a €1.5 billion redevelopment. Friday’s session acted as a test event as the club continues preparations to resume competitive matches later this month.

Potential Return Dates

President Joan Laporta stated that Barcelona may return for:

• LaLiga vs Athletic Club on November 22, or
• vs Alavés on November 29 (the club’s 126th anniversary).

If those dates cannot be approved, the next option would be the match against Atlético Madrid on December 2.

Capacity Approvals Still Pending

The return depends on the city council granting a match permit for 45,401 spectators. At present, Barça only hold authorization for 25,991 fans and intend to wait for a higher limit before reopening.

Stadium Progress and Future Plans

Construction on the first two tiers is nearing completion, while the third tier and roof are still being developed. The full project is expected to finish in 2027, with stadium capacity gradually increasing to 105,000.

Laporta Wants Messi for Grand Reopening

Laporta expressed hopes that Lionel Messi could be part of the official reopening ceremony.

“It would be a fantastic way to inaugurate the stadium, with 105,000 fans paying tribute to Leo,” Laporta said.

Messi left Barcelona in 2021 without a farewell, and has not commented publicly on participating in a return event.

Recent Match Context

Due to permit delays, Barça began the season at the Estadi Johan Cruyff before returning to the Olympic Stadium, where they have played their last five home matches. Their recent 3-1 win over Elche may prove to be their final match there as they prepare for the move back home.