April 28, (THEWILL) – Barcelona has confirmed that construction on the redevelopment of Camp Nou would begin in June, with the project expected to be completed in time for the 2025/26 season.
However, due to the construction, Barça will be forced to leave their home for the 2023/24 season and will instead play their home games at the Lluis Companys Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympics and was previously home to city rivals Espanyol.
Initial work on Camp Nou can begin as soon as this season is done, thanks to a build permission approved by the city council. The first and second decks of the stadium, as well as technology, the surrounding region, and the outside, will be the primary focus.
Demolition of an extra structure in the south stand where the medical centre was located, general restoration work, structural finishes, a new telecoms system, new facilities for the TV compound, and more will be part of that phase of the project.
The club has also stated that the third deck will be demolished in the summer of 2023, ensuring that the Camp Nou can continue to function at full capacity until then – moving that element of the redevelopment ahead would have meant a 50% reduction in capacity.
In 2023/24, work will be year-round, necessitating the need for a temporary residence. The team and the city council are presently finalising the arrangements of a season-long move to the aforementioned Lluis Companys Stadium in the city’s green and hilly Montjuic neighbourhood.
Barça will be permitted to return to Camp Nou in 2024/25, but the stadium’s capacity will be limited to half of its original size. The development is expected to be completed sometime during the 2025/26 season, which might be up to four years from now.
The club recently announced a lucrative new agreement with music streaming provider Spotify, which includes a long-term naming rights and shirt sponsorship deal for Camp Nou. Over the following few years, the arrangement is expected to bring in €280 million in much-needed money to the club.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
