Barca to make long-awaited Camp Nou return on November 22

Barcelona are set to make their eagerly awaited comeback to the revamped Camp Nou stadium, facing Athletic Bilbao on November 22 in La Liga, according to the club announcement on Monday, following over two years playing away from home.

After the venue shut its doors at the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign, the Catalan powerhouse has had to relocate its matches, primarily to the Olympic Stadium located on Montjuic hill in the city.

Multiple setbacks have resulted in Camp Nou reopening twelve months later than initially planned, after a 1.5 billion euro (1.75 billion dollar) overhaul plagued by building disruptions.

The team will inaugurate the stadium at a provisional capacity of 45,401 fans, expanding to 105,000 once the upper level is finished.

Earlier this month, Barcelona allowed 23,000 supporters to attend a training session at the stadium as part of the preparatory testing for the full reopening.

The club is also seeking approval from UEFA to stage their Champions League encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou on December 9.

Due to not securing the necessary safety certification for Camp Nou, the La Liga title holders had to host two early season games at their 6,000 seat Johan Cruyff training facility.

The original version of Camp Nou, constructed in 1957, accommodated up to 99,000 spectators.

Plans include fitting a roof to the stadium, scheduled for installation during the summer of 2027, which is one year behind the expected timeline for project completion.