FC Barcelona has said it will request an extension to its tenancy at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys covering the remainder of the 2024-25 season, as uncertainty continues over redevelopment work at Spotify Camp Nou.
While Barcelona’s stated goal is to return to its home ground before the end of the season, it has moved to ensure a backup plan is in place should this fail to be possible. Earlier this month, the LaLiga club further delayed its return to the Camp Nou after informing fans that it will continue to play matches at the Estadi Olímpic until at least April 23.
Barcelona has been playing at the Estadi Olímpic since the start of the 2023-24 season while the Camp Nou undergoes major redevelopment work. The Camp Nou’s capacity is increasing to 105,000, with the venue also being fitted with a new roof.
Initially, Barcelona had planned on moving back into a partially open Camp Nou midway through the current season, but in November the club’s return was pushed back until mid-February. In an email to supporters on January 17, Barcelona announced the extension of the validity of season tickets for the Estadi Olímpic until April 23, the date of the club’s LaLiga match against RCD Mallorca.
However, the club has now stated: “FC Barcelona is set to request an extension from BSM (Barcelona de Serveis Municipals) regarding the use of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys up to 20 May, in spite of the institution continuing to target playing games at the Spotify Camp Nou this season.
“The club understands that the prior booking for the facility from May onwards for a musical event with BSM is very unlikely to go ahead. As such, in absence of the confirmation of an event booked for the Anella Olímpica, the possibility opens up for FC Barcelona to play up to the final LaLiga match this season at the Estadi Olímpic.
“The club wishes to reiterate that its main priority is to play games towards the end of this season at the Spotify Camp Nou, and further efforts will be made to achieve that aim.”
Barcelona’s reference to a “musical event” relates to a mooted Rolling Stones concert at Estadi Olímpic. Although never officially confirmed, the concert had been lined up for mid-May. However, it has now been widely reported that the iconic British band plans to withdraw from any plans to undertake a European tour this year.
Securing the Estadi Olímpic through to the end of the season would cover Barcelona’s final home LaLiga game against Villarreal on May 18 and any potential UEFA Champions League semi-final. However, crucially it will also cover the league game against Real Madrid scheduled for May 11. Uncertainty over a venue for ‘El Clásico’ has even led to speculation in recent days that a stadium outside of Spain could be pursued for the game.
Barcelona last week launched VIP Ring Seats at the new Camp Nou, marking the final premium seat offerings available at the redeveloped stadium. The Camp Nou will reopen in stages and Barcelona has maintained the stadium remains on track to be fully operational by 2026. The initial capacity of the stadium will be around 62,000 when it reopens later this year, but this will increase to 105,000 once the work is completed.
Mundo Deportivo reports that a board meeting held on Tuesday saw Limak Construction, Barcelona’s partner in the project, provide guarantees to the club that works will allow it to return to the Camp Nou before the end of this season.
It added work could soon be intensified, with the club said to be close to an agreement with Barcelona City Council that would permit construction to be carried out at the site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
