FC Barcelona have officially announced that their highly anticipated La Liga clash against Girona on October 18 will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc — and not at the Spotify Camp Nou. The match, which had been marked as a possible date for the reopening of the iconic stadium, will instead see the Catalan giants remain at their temporary home for a little longer.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club confirmed:
“FC Barcelona announces that the LaLiga Matchday 9 match against Girona FC, which will be played on Saturday, October 18 at 4:15 p.m., will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.”
This decision effectively extends Barça’s stay away from Camp Nou, which has been under major renovation for over two years. The development dashes hopes among fans who had anticipated seeing their beloved team return to their historic home for the first time since May 2023.
The move to Montjuïc, though temporary, continues to be a crucial chapter in Barcelona’s transition phase — one that reflects both the club’s ambitious modernization project and the logistical challenges that come with it.
Why Camp Nou’s Reopening Has Been Delayed Once Again
While supporters were eager for a Camp Nou return, the club remains entangled in bureaucratic and construction-related delays. According to the official update, Barcelona have yet to secure the “First Occupancy Licence” from the City Council — a vital administrative step required before reopening the stadium to the public.
The club emphasized that it is in “constant contact” with the local authorities to finalize inspections and obtain approval in the coming days. However, the current state of readiness does not yet meet the standards for hosting large-scale matches.
The Catalan giants had initially targeted a limited reopening under Phase 1A of the project, which would allow for 27,000 spectators. But the board, after internal consultations, believes it is wiser to wait for Phase 1B and 1C, which would increase the capacity to 45,000 and ensure a smoother, safer return for fans.
In essence, Barcelona prefer to delay the celebration rather than rush it, ensuring that when Camp Nou reopens, it does so in a manner befitting the club’s legacy and scale.
Inside the Club’s Three-Fold Reasoning for the Decision
Barcelona’s official statement laid out three main reasons behind the decision to keep playing at Montjuïc for now — each reflecting the club’s focus on financial stability, operational readiness, and strategic timing.
- Administrative Overlap: The delay in obtaining the Phase 1A licence means its approval now coincides closely with that of Phase 1B, which would allow a higher capacity and better revenue opportunities.
- Financial Strategy: The club highlighted that the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which underwent renovations funded by Barcelona themselves, currently provides a sufficient matchday capacity to generate strong revenue, comparable to what they earned at Estadi Johan Cruyff for smaller fixtures.
- Operational Readiness: By extending their stay at Montjuïc, the club gains extra time to perform essential operational tests at Camp Nou — covering safety systems, logistics, and fan movement — before the grand reopening.
These reasons, the club insists, ensure that when fans finally return to Camp Nou, it will be a safe, financially sound, and technically flawless experience.
The Long Road Home: Camp Nou’s Modernization and Licensing Hurdles
The ongoing Spotify Camp Nou renovation, part of the Espai Barça project, has been one of the most ambitious stadium redevelopments in football history. The multi-phase construction process is designed to transform the legendary ground into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting 105,000 fans, complete with eco-friendly technology and advanced facilities.
However, such large-scale work has inevitably come with licensing delays and construction challenges. The project’s Phase 1A, which includes key stands and goal areas, is nearing completion, but Barcelona must pass final inspections before any public event can take place.
The City Council’s approval process is rigorous, focusing on fire safety, crowd management, and structural compliance. Until these are fully cleared, hosting fans — even in a reduced capacity — remains off-limits.
Despite the setbacks, club executives remain optimistic that the reopening will happen within the 2025 season, with each phase bringing the club closer to its full return home.
Montjuïc: The Temporary Home That Became Barcelona’s Fortress
Since the closure of Camp Nou in 2023, Montjuïc Stadium has served as Barcelona’s home base — a historic venue that once hosted the 1992 Olympics. Initially seen as a stopgap solution, the stadium has gradually turned into a symbol of resilience for the team and its supporters.
In their recent home games against Real Sociedad and PSG, the Blaugrana adapted impressively to their new environment, drawing large crowds and maintaining strong performances. The club also invested significantly in upgrading the facilities at Montjuïc, ensuring it met both La Liga and UEFA standards.
Financially, Montjuïc’s capacity allows Barcelona to sustain healthy matchday income, which has been vital amid ongoing renovation costs. The stadium’s improved fan experience and accessibility have also softened the disappointment of missing Camp Nou — at least temporarily.
Fans’ Patience and Club’s Promise: The Countdown to Homecoming
As Barcelona’s wait for Camp Nou’s reopening stretches on, both players and fans continue to show remarkable patience. The club’s leadership, in turn, has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support during what it calls “a complex and exciting process.”
In their closing statement, Barcelona said:
“FC Barcelona thanks its members and fans for their understanding and support during such a complex and exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.”
For the supporters, this period marks not just a delay, but the countdown to a new era of the Camp Nou experience — one that promises greater comfort, sustainability, and global prestige.
With each construction milestone completed and each inspection cleared, the dream inches closer to reality. The October 18 match against Girona may not signal the grand return fans hoped for, but it reminds everyone that Barcelona’s true homecoming is near — and it will be worth the wait.
