Next week, Barcelona will try to pull off a historic comeback against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, with a fourth of their stadium vacant. The delays are still a problem four months after they said they would be able to expand the capacity to 62,000 seats in January once they got back to Camp Nou.
Due to ongoing stadium renovations, the Blaugrana were initially expected to return to Camp Nou, which can hold 60,000 spectators, in November 2024. However, they did so in November of this season. With three sides of the ground open, they were able to accommodate 45,000 people.
The club first informed the Catalan media that they planned to start “Phase 1C” in the middle of January, which entails opening the Gol Nord stands and using the top two levels to their maximum capacity. This would add 17,000 fans and raise the capacity to 62,000.
Barcelona update on Camp Nou capacity for decisive Atletico clash
However, according to MD, the City Council denied the Catalan club’s request to do so. The fourth side of the stadium won’t be ready for Barcelona’s Copa matchup against Atletico Madrid at home next Wednesday as they haven’t finished the required paperwork and administrative procedures in time to open it.
After that, Barcelona’s next home games are against Sevilla on March 15, a Champions League match on March 17 or 18 that will be the second leg of their Round of 16 matchup with either Newcastle United or Paris Saint-Germain/AS Monaco, and Rayo Vallecano on March 22 prior to the international break. Since the approximate potential cost for ticketing and sales for each of those matches is €1 million, the Blaugrana will undoubtedly aim to secure the licence in time for one of those matches.
