The Renovation of Spotify Camp Nou: Barcelona's New Era
The renovation of Barcelona's famous Camp Nou is one of the largest and most ambitious stadium redevelopment projects in European football. Rather than demolishing the historic stadium and building a completely new venue (as will be the case with the San Siro in Milan), FC Barcelona chose to transform and modernise the ground while retaining much of its original identity. The project forms the centrepiece of the wider Espai Barça development, which is designed to modernise the club's sporting facilities and create a stadium capable of generating significantly greater revenue from football, hospitality, tourism and events.
The stadium, now officially known as Spotify Camp Nou through a naming-rights agreement, originally opened in 1957. Designed by architects Francesc Mitjans and Josep Soteras, with the collaboration of Lorenzo García Barbón, it became one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Although Camp Nou had undergone previous expansions and improvements, particularly for the 1982 World Cup, the club eventually decided that a major redevelopment was necessary to bring the stadium up to modern standards.
Why Barcelona Decided to Renovate Camp Nou
By the early 21st century, Camp Nou remained one of football's great venues and one of the largest arenas in Europe, but many of its facilities were outdated. The stadium lacked the extensive hospitality areas, modern concourses and commercial facilities found in many newer European stadiums. Accessibility and spectator comfort also required improvement.
Barcelona therefore developed the Espai Barça project, a major plan to transform the club's facilities. The redevelopment of Camp Nou became the most important part of this scheme. The aim was not simply to increase capacity, but to create a modern stadium that could operate throughout the year and generate additional income through premium seating, hospitality, events, the museum, stadium tours and sponsorship.
The club has described the redevelopment as a project that will help finance itself through the additional income generated by the new facilities, including sponsorship, hospitality, ticketing, catering, the museum and events.
The Architects and Design
The architectural concept for the new stadium was developed by the Japanese architectural practice Nikken Sekkei, which won Barcelona's international design competition in 2016. The project was designed to respect the distinctive character of the original Camp Nou while giving the stadium a completely new appearance and modern facilities.
One of the main ideas behind the design was to preserve the stadium's open and Mediterranean character. The redevelopment therefore does not simply enclose the old stadium within a completely new structure. Instead, the design combines the historic lower sections of the stadium with a new upper tier, a modern roof and improved facilities.
The original stadium was designed by Francesc Mitjans, José Soteras and Lorenzo García Barbón. The modern redevelopment represents a major architectural transition, combining the structure of the historic stadium with Nikken Sekkei's vision for a new generation of Camp Nou.
Major Changes to the Original Stadium
The redevelopment has involved extensive changes to Camp Nou. One of the most significant alterations was the demolition of the old third tier. Construction work began in 2023, and the upper section of the stadium was progressively removed to allow the creation of a completely new third tier.
The lower sections of the stadium were retained and extensively modernised, while the new upper level was designed to increase the stadium's capacity and provide improved facilities. The completed stadium is expected to accommodate almost 105,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium in Spain. Barcelona's original plans projected a final capacity of approximately 104,600 seats.
The redevelopment will also introduce a number of major improvements, including:
- A new third tier.
- A large roof covering the seating areas.
- Improved accessibility and spectator facilities.
- New hospitality and VIP areas.
- Modern lounges and premium seating.
- Expanded commercial and event spaces.
- Improved concourses and circulation areas.
- New facilities for the Barcelona museum and stadium tour.
- Greater use of technology and modern stadium infrastructure.
- Solar panels incorporated into the roof structure.
The planned roof is particularly significant because the original Camp Nou was largely open to the elements. Barcelona's plans have included approximately 48,000 square metres of roofing, including around 21,000 square metres of solar panels. The completed redevelopment is also expected to provide a total built area of approximately 220,000 square metres.
The Cost of the Project
The redevelopment is part of the wider Espai Barça project, which has required enormous financial investment. Barcelona secured financing of up to €1.5 billion for the wider development, with the club arranging funding through a group of international investors.
The financing plan was designed so that the increased income generated by Espai Barça would contribute towards repaying the investment. Barcelona has identified sponsorship and naming rights, hospitality, ticketing and catering, museum and tour activities, and meetings and events as important future revenue sources.
However, the overall financial picture has been complicated by delays and changes during construction. The final cost of the complete redevelopment has been difficult to state with complete certainty while work remains ongoing. Estimates and financing figures should therefore be distinguished from the final construction cost.
The original redevelopment timetable projected completion in 2026, but construction and finishing work have continued beyond the stadium's initial return to use. This means that Barcelona returned to playing at Camp Nou before the entire project was completed.
Where Barcelona Played During the Renovation
When major construction began in 2023, Barcelona temporarily left Camp Nou and moved to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Montjuïc.
The Olympic Stadium had previously hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic Games and was capable of accommodating more than 50,000 spectators. Barcelona used the stadium as their temporary home while the most disruptive work was carried out at Camp Nou.
Barcelona played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. The move allowed construction teams to carry out the demolition of the old third tier and begin the major structural work required for the redevelopment.
The temporary move to Montjuïc was significant for supporters because the stadium is located away from Barcelona's traditional Les Corts home. Although the Olympic Stadium provided a suitable venue, it did not have the same atmosphere, capacity or commercial opportunities as Camp Nou.
Barcelona's Return to Camp Nou
Barcelona eventually returned to Spotify Camp Nou in November 2025, although the redevelopment was still far from complete. The club's first return to the stadium came with a reduced capacity, as only certain sections had been approved and opened for spectators.
The initial return marked an important moment for Barcelona after more than two years away from their historic home. The stadium continued to operate while construction work progressed in other areas.
By March 2026, Barcelona had received further approval to open additional sections of the stadium, increasing the available capacity to 62,652 spectators. The newly opened areas included the North Goal section, hospitality spaces and lounges between the first and second tiers, as well as the new supporters' section known as Gol 1957, named after the year in which the original Camp Nou opened.
The phased reopening allowed Barcelona to begin generating matchday income from the stadium while construction continued on the upper sections and remaining facilities.
A Stadium Still Under Construction
As of September 2026, Spotify Camp Nou has returned to hosting Barcelona matches, but the redevelopment is still ongoing and may involve a period of exile again at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The stadium has been opened gradually, with capacity increasing as additional sections receive approval.
The eventual goal remains a capacity of close to 105,000 spectators, together with a fully completed roof, new third tier and extensive hospitality and commercial facilities. The redevelopment therefore represents more than a traditional stadium renovation. It is intended to transform Camp Nou into a modern entertainment and sporting complex while preserving the identity of one of Spanish football's most famous grounds.
A New Chapter for an Historic Stadium
The renovation of Camp Nou is one of the most ambitious projects in the history of FC Barcelona. The club has attempted to balance two difficult goals: preserving the character and history of the stadium that opened in 1957 while creating a venue capable of competing with the most modern stadiums in world football.
The original Camp Nou was an architectural symbol of Barcelona and one of the great cathedrals of European football. The new Spotify Camp Nou retains important elements of that heritage while adding a new third tier, a large roof, improved hospitality, greater accessibility and modern facilities.
For Barcelona, the redevelopment is also a major financial project. The club hopes that the increased income from the stadium will help support its future ambitions both on and off the pitch. While the construction process has involved delays, a temporary move to Montjuïc and a phased return to the stadium, the transformation of Camp Nou represents the beginning of a new era for FC Barcelona and one of the most recognizable stadiums in world football.
Stadium Tours
Stadium tours are available at the Spotify Camp Nou, though access remains partially limited due to ongoing reconstruction work. The Spotify Camp Nou Experience offers visitors a panoramic view of the ongoing stadium reconstruction, a flexible ticket to the Barça Immersive Museum and a digital audio guide, with prices starting from €69.
For a more exclusive experience, the Match Day Tour provides behind-the-scenes access on selected match days, including areas such as VIP zones, the press room and pitch side areas.
The premium Barça Sky Tour, starting from €199, combines a helicopter flight over Barcelona with transport and access to the museum. Visitors can explore the FC Barcelona Museum, immersive exhibition rooms and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the stadium bowl, although standard daily access to the pitch, players' tunnel and dressing rooms is restricted unless a specific Match Day Tour is booked.
Further details: www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/camp-nou-experience
Accessibility
The renovated Spotify Camp Nou has been designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility, with dedicated entry points, adapted seating and on-site support services.
Access V, located at Gate 22 on Travessera de les Corts, provides a priority access lane for visitors heading to the Gol Sud, Lateral and Tribuna sections, while Access F at Gate 4 on Avinguda Joan XXIII/Martí i Franquès is equipped with lifts to provide easier access to Tribuna seating.
The T'Acompanyem service offers physical assistance and guidance on matchdays at Accesses Q, V and F. Adapted wheelchair spaces include a seat for a companion and an electrical socket for charging power wheelchairs or medical devices, while accessible toilets are located on the ground level near the designated seating areas.
Accessible parking spaces are also available close to the stadium for valid permit holders, with access from Travessera de les Corts and Carrer Martí Franquès.
In addition, the Barça Support Office (OAB) provides dedicated in-person and telephone assistance before and during matchdays.
Access - Getting There
The renovated Spotify Camp Nou is located in the Les Corts district of Barcelona, with the main pedestrian access points around Avinguda Joan XXIII, Carrer d'Arístides Maillol and Travessera de les Corts. Because of the ongoing Espai Barça redevelopment, public transport is strongly recommended and vehicle access and parking around the stadium may be restricted.
The easiest way to get to the stadium is by Metro. Nearby stations include Palau Reial, Les Corts, Maria Cristina and Zona Universitària on Line 3, as well as Collblanc, Badal and Ernest Lluch on Line 5. Collblanc is also served by Lines L9S and L10, while Zona Universitària is served by L9S.
The stadium can also be reached by tram, with nearby stops on lines T1, T2 and T3, including Avinguda de Xile, Palau Reial, Maria Cristina and Zona Universitària. Several bus routes serve the surrounding area, including 7, 33, 54, 67, 113, 175, D20, H6, H8, V1, V3 and V5, although some services may be diverted on matchdays.
For matchdays, visitors are advised to arrive early, as stadium gates generally open around 90 minutes before kick-off. The exact pedestrian entrance and access route are usually shown on the match ticket, and construction work means that access arrangements can change.
Address: C/ d'Arístides Maillol 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Nearby Hotels
The city has a vast range of hotels, guest houses and pensions to suit all budgets. See a listing of hotels in Barcelona.
The Hotel Casa Sagnier has five stars and is on Rambla de Catalunya.
The four-star Antiga Casa Buenavista offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Close to the stadium itself are the two-star Hotel Alguer Camp Nou and the 4-star NH Barcelona Stadium offering a fitness centre, a seasonal pool and terrace.
Stadiums in Spain
Estadio Nuevo Ramón de Carranza Cadiz
Estadio Nuevo Colombino Huelva
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