The management of FC Barcelona expects to receive permission to operate the renovated stadium in mid-November. If all administrative procedures are completed on time, the team will be able to play their first match at the modernized arena against Athletic (Bilbao), scheduled for the weekend of November 22-23.
Currently, the club is awaiting the issuance of a first-category license, which is required to admit spectators. This week, Barcelona officials hope to receive from the city’s authorities the documentation authorizing the start of operations at the venue. The club has already fulfilled all the requirements previously set by the municipality.
Initially, the permit will allow for a partial opening of the stadium: fans will be able to take seats only in the stands and behind the goal, accommodating around 27,000 people. However, the club’s management has decided to wait for the next phase of approvals in order to increase capacity to 45,000 spectators. This condition is also necessary to host Champions League matches.
While the documentation process continues, Barcelona will play its next three home games at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc. These include matches against Girona, Olympiacos, and Elche. Only after that will the team return to their renovated stadium, where Athletic will be their first opponent.
The full completion of the facility is scheduled for 2027, but already this season, fans will be able to support their team once again at their familiar arena. This event is especially significant for the club and its supporters: the team spent more than two years at a temporary venue, and returning to their home stadium has become a long-awaited moment for the entire community.
