Spotify Camp Nou, opened in 1957, is the home stadium of FC Barcelona, built as a replacement for the old Les Corts complex. Designed by Francesc Mitjans Miró and Josep Soteras Mauri, its construction cost 288 million Spanish pesetas. With a capacity of 99,354, it is the largest stadium in Europe, although its capacity has been adjusted over the years.
In 1999, it received the UEFA Five-Star status, which in 2010 changed to Category 4. Camp Nou was in need of renovation and no longer met current and future standards. After years of planning, the renovation of Camp Nou is now in full swing. Are you curious about how the renovation of Camp Nou will proceed and what the renewed Camp Nou will look like? In this post, I will tell you everything about the renovation of Camp Nou.
What will the renewed Camp Nou look like?
The overall transformation of Spotify Camp Nou will turn it into the largest stadium in Europe, with a capacity to accommodate 104,000 spectators. Instead of building a completely new stadium, the structure of two original stands will be retained as the basis for the renovation. Eventually, the stadium will contain three rings with a double hospitality space between them. The entire stand will also be covered with a roof.
Photos of the New Camp Nou
Source of photos: FC Barcelona.
The Camp Nou Renovation Plans
Ultimately, not only will Camp Nou stadium be renovated, but the entire Barça complex will be revamped. This complex includes, in addition to Camp Nou stadium, newly built offices and hotels, the Palau Blaugrana, an ice rink, and a bus station.
Modifications to Camp Nou Stadium The main changes after the renovation of Camp Nou Stadium will be:
- Modernization of the stands and entrance for the first ring.
- Better facilities for disabled people.
- Expansion of the capacity to 104,000 spectators.
- Covering of all stands.
- 2 new floors with VIP spaces above the 2nd ring.
- Improvement of energy and climate aspects of the stadium.
- The latest technology in the stadium (including a 5G network).
- Better accessibility for cyclists and facilities for electric vehicles.
The entire Espai Barça complex after the renovation The New Palau Blaugrana In addition to Camp Nou, the complex contains another stadium, namely Palau Blaugrana. After the renovation, it will have a capacity of up to 15,000 visitors. It is a multifunctional stadium that is the home for other sports of FC Barcelona, such as the basketball team, and can also be used for events and concerts.
The New Palau Blaugrana In addition to Camp Nou, the complex contains another stadium, namely Palau Blaugrana. After the renovation, it will have a capacity of up to 15,000 visitors. It is a multifunctional stadium that is the home for other sports of FC Barcelona, such as the basketball team, and can also be used for events and concerts.
Timeline of Camp Nou Renovation
The renovation of Camp Nou will be divided into four phases. In the summer of 2023, the first phase began: the dismantling of the stadium. The top ring of Camp Nou was removed, along with the field and the iconic seats from the stands.
Next, phase two of the project will start: the construction of the first two rings and the installation of facilities in the stadium. The plan is to complete this in November 2024, after which games can be played in Camp Nou again. After this phase, the stadium will be usable for 65,000 spectators, and the museum will also reopen.
Phase three will ultimately consist of building the third ring, the skyboxes, the roof, and the exterior of Camp Nou. According to the schedule, this is to be completed in August 2025, after which the third ring and the VIP areas will be open at 90% capacity. The new FC Barcelona shop will also open at this time.
In August 2026, the fourth and final phase of the Camp Nou stadium renovation will be completed. Ultimately, the stadium will then have its full capacity of 104,000 spectators. The renovation of Camp Nou will take about 1,000 days. At least, that’s the plan.
Simultaneously with the renovation of Camp Nou stadium, work will also be carried out on the renovation and construction of Palau Blaugrana, the buildings on the campus, and the completion of the streets and surroundings of Camp Nou. The final completion date for the entire project is set for the first quarter of 2028.
Temporary Barça Home
Since Barça cannot play in its own Camp Nou for a year, the team has temporarily moved to the Olympic Stadium of Barcelona. Having previously hosted the Olympic Games and RCD Espanyol, it is now temporarily the home of the club. If you want to attend a FC Barcelona match, you will now need to head up Montjuïc for a visit.
Photos of the Renovation
The renovation of Camp Nou was indeed necessary. Sometimes I watched in amazement at how the stands were deteriorating. The plans look fantastic, although some of the nostalgia will be lost.