Barcelona Heads Into Uncertain Stadium Future With $1.6B Project Underway

Barcelona has won yet another La Liga championship campaign in front of its fans at the historic Spotify Camp Nou — a venue it won’t see again until late next year, if not longer. 

The stadium, which closed its doors Sunday, is set to undergo major renovations as part of the club’s $1.6 billion Espai Barça project.

Next season, Barca will play at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, originally built in 1927 and renovated over 30 years ago ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics. The stadium was the home of fellow La Liga side Espanyol from 1997-2009.

Beyond domestic play, the Blaugrana will host UEFA Champions League matches at their temporary home, as well as the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he expects the club to move back into a renovated Camp Nou in November 2024, but many have questioned whether that’s possible. Additions to Camp Nou will include a roof and new suites.

The Olympic Stadium has a capacity of about 56,000 — about 40% less than Camp Nou’s nearly 100,000 seats. Barca rivals Real Madrid, who finished second in La Liga, play at the 81,000-capacity Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Season-ticket holders can choose to opt out of next season and return when Barcelona moves back into Camp Nou, a move that will surely bring down the club’s bottom line.