Barcelona given the OK for Camp Nou return for Valencia clash with reduced capacity | OneFootball

Barcelona’s return to Spotify Camp Nou is set for 14th September, when they host Valencia in their first home game of the La Liga season. However, the stadium won’t be anywhere near full.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona City Council has approved a limited capacity of 27,000 fans, much lower than the originally planned 60,000.

This reduced attendance is due to ongoing renovation work at the iconic stadium, and the first phase of the reconstruction project has been split into three parts.

Barcelona taking a step-by-step approach

The initial part, known as Phase 1a, covers the south goal and main grandstand, which alone can accommodate 27,000 spectators. This is the section that will be ready in time for the match against Valencia.

Furthermore, once Phase 1b is completed, which includes the side stand, the capacity will increase to 45,000. After that, Phase 1c will add the north goal, pushing the total up to 60,000.

Spotify Camp Nou will host the Valencia clash. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Phase 2 will begin next year and is expected to complete the top tier, eventually bringing the final stadium capacity to nearly 105,000.

The decision to divide construction into smaller parts is aimed at speeding up approvals. By completing and certifying each section individually, the club can apply for partial occupancy permits and begin hosting matches gradually.

Bracing for Valencia clash

For now, only the first section will be operational. Jordi Valls, the acting mayor of Barcelona, confirmed that both the club and City Council are focused solely on opening the stadium for 27,000 people.

He explained that for this to happen, Barcelona must secure three key approvals: a completion certificate, an environmental control certificate, and a permit from the Les Corts district.

Valls stressed that safety inspections will be a major part of this process. Only after all checks are successfully completed will the green light be given for fans to return to Camp Nou.