Barcelona will finally return to their reconstructed Camp Nou on November 22 for a LaLiga clash with Athletic Bilbao, the club announced Monday, ending more than two years away from their historic home.
Since the stadium closed at the end of the 2022/23 season, Barça have been forced to play elsewhere — primarily at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill — while the iconic venue underwent a €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion) transformation plagued by construction delays.
Camp Nou will reopen with a temporary capacity of 45,401, eventually expanding to 105,000 once work on the top tier is completed. Earlier in November, 23,000 fans were allowed into the stadium for a training session as part of the reopening test phase.
Barcelona also hope to secure UEFA approval to host Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou for their Champions League match on December 9.
This season began with added disruption, as the Spanish champions were forced to play two matches at the 6,000-seat Johan Cruyff Stadium after safety permits for Camp Nou were delayed.
Originally built in 1957 and previously holding 99,000 spectators, the revamped Camp Nou will eventually boast a modern roof, now scheduled for installation in the summer of 2027 — a year later than planned.