FC Barcelona Plans Camp Nou Return With 23,000 Fans Ahead of Champions League Bid

FC Barcelona is set to return to its renovated Camp Nou stadium with an open training session scheduled for November 7, allowing up to 23,000 fans to attend as part of a phased reopening. This session will serve as both a fan engagement event and a technical test of the stadium's systems, which have been under renovation since spring 2023, with full capacity expected to reach 105,000 upon completion. The team plans to officially play competitive matches at Camp Nou starting with a La Liga game against Athletic Club on November 22, coinciding with the club's 126th anniversary, although some delays and safety concerns have pushed back earlier reopening targets. Barcelona is also seeking to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final at the stadium, marking ambitious future plans for the iconic venue. Tickets for the initial training session are priced at 5 euros for club members and 10 euros for the general public, with proceeds supporting the club's charity. Despite ongoing renovations and regulatory hurdles, the club is optimistic about returning to its spiritual home and gradually expanding stadium capacity in the coming months.