FC Barcelona Confirms Return to Spotify Camp Nou for Match Against Athletic Club After New Occupancy License.

Roger Hampel

Image: FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona has confirmed that its LaLiga match against Athletic Club, originally scheduled for November 22 at 16:15, will now take place at Spotify Camp Nou. The change follows the club obtaining the Phase 1B occupancy license, allowing the stadium to operate with a capacity of 45,401 spectators.

The authorization expands stadium access to the entire Lateral stand and complements the previously approved Phase 1A license, which covered the Tribune and South Goal areas. Both approvals form part of the club’s phased reopening strategy during the ongoing redevelopment of the stadium.

Licensing Progress Enables Partial Return Home FC Barcelona

The club emphasized that work continues on Phase 1C, focused on reopening the North Goal once operational, safety, and comfort standards are met. The message “Tornem a casa” accompanies the announcement — but the return is still partial and dependent on construction timelines.

Regarding the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona stated it is working with UEFA to host the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt at Spotify Camp Nou. The required criteria are reportedly met, though formal confirmation is pending.

Key Improvements Enabled by Phases 1A and 1B

The club outlined several operational, structural, and safety upgrades now active inside the stadium:

• Capacity & Accessibility

• New authorized capacity: 45,401

• 129 positions for fans with reduced mobility

• New comfort and adaptation zones

• Sporting Infrastructure

• New players’ tunnel

• New home and away dressing rooms

• Security & Evacuation

• Additional entrances and evacuation routes

• Increased handrails

• New sprinkler and automatic fire-extinguishing systems

• Technology & Stadium Operations

• Updated access gates

• Integrated digital ticketing compatible with construction-related vehicle flow

With these elements in place, FC Barcelona states it can safely resume matches at its partially reopened venue while continuing long-term redevelopment.

Season Pass 2025/26: How Attendance Works During Partial Capacity

The club also outlined key procedures related to the 2025/26 Season Pass, introduced earlier this season to simplify ticketing while the team alternates between stadiums.

• Valid for all remaining Spotify Camp Nou home matches in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League

• Attendance must be confirmed via Members APP or website up to 6 days before the match

• If attendance is not confirmed, no seat will be assigned

• Tickets are delivered digitally (APP or PDF) 24–3 hours before kickoff

• Free ticket transfer permitted, after confirming attendance

Season Ticket Status Remains Suspended

The club reaffirmed that Spotify Camp Nou season ticket status will remain suspended throughout the 2025/26 season. With capacity limited due to ongoing construction, the traditional season ticket program cannot be reinstated until full stadium access is restored.

Ticket Sales Timeline for Athletic Club Match

• Members presale: opens today at 16:00

• General public: opens tomorrow at 16:00

• VIP: open starting today for all users

The match will mark FC Barcelona’s first official home fixture at Spotify Camp Nou since redevelopment work forced a temporary relocation to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.