Barcelona confirms partial reopening of Camp Nou on August 10
After more than two years away, Barcelona will host their traditional preseason friendly at Camp Nou in 2025.
FC Barcelona has officially confirmed a long-awaited return to Camp Nou on August 10, 2025, hosting the annual Joan Gamper Trophy at their historic stadium. Although renovation works remain incomplete, the club will partially reopen the venue for fans to mark the occasion.
Barça’s Long-Awaited Return to Camp Nou
The Blaugrana faithful have not seen their team play at Camp Nou since May 2023, when they celebrated a La Liga title under former coach Xavi Hernández. Now, under the guidance of Hansi Flick and fresh off another league triumph, the club will make its emotional homecoming albeit to a work-in-progress stadium.
The opponent for the 2025 Joan Gamper Trophy is yet to be confirmed, but anticipation is already high.
Why Did Camp Nou Close?
The legendary stadium, originally inaugurated in 1957, was closed for renovations starting in 2023. The initial reopening was scheduled for November 2024, but delays pushed that back to March 2025, and eventually to August 2025, just in time for the preseason fixture.
During the closure, Barcelona played their home matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc) a temporary home that drew mixed reactions from fans.
What’s New at the “New Camp Nou”?
Although not fully completed, the Espai Barça project has already transformed large portions of Camp Nou. Key upgrades include:
- A third tier of seating
- Double VIP sections
- A retractable roof
- Suspended digital screens
- A panoramic observation deck
When completed, the new Camp Nou will have a capacity of 110,000 spectators, up from the previous 99,000, making it the largest stadium in Europe.
What to Expect on August 10
Barcelona has assured supporters that the stadium will be ready to host fans with maximum organization and safety. Temporary logistics will be in place for fan access, services, and stadium operations, ensuring a smooth experience despite ongoing construction in upper levels and surrounding areas.
The VIP zones, stadium roof, and interior hospitality spaces are still being finalized but won’t affect core matchday operations.
Why This Reopening Matters
Barça’s leadership sees the partial reopening as a milestone moment not just emotionally, but strategically. The club expects the modernized Camp Nou to:
- Increase matchday and commercial revenues
- Strengthen global branding
- Improve fan experience
- Support investment in signings and La Masia youth development
The club hopes the new stadium will be a catalyst for future sporting success, while preserving the spirit and legacy of Camp Nou.
