Barcelona Secures Approval to Boost Camp Nou Capacity Ahead of Newcastle Clash
Barcelona has finally received the necessary clearance to open the fourth stand at Camp Nou, allowing for a significant increase in stadium capacity. Up until now, the club has been operating with a reduced capacity of 46,400 spectators across three stands, a restriction imposed because the safety standards mandated by the City Council for the area behind the Gol Nord stand had not been met.
While the club initially aimed to reopen this fourth section for their first home game in mid-January 2026, the project, much like previous phases, encountered several delays. However, after their latest inspection, the City Council has officially granted permission to proceed with the final stage of their reopening plan, known as '1C'.
This approval will boost the stadium's capacity by approximately 16,000 fans, representing an increase of roughly a third and subsequently, a rise in potential revenue. According to MD, the updated capacity will be 62,700 for the remainder of the current season. The club intends to open the fourth stand for their home fixture against Sevilla this Sunday at 16:15 CEST, a day that also coincides with the presidential election, where Joan Laporta and Victor Font are competing for the top role.
Furthermore, the Catalan giants are actively seeking UEFA approval to utilize the expanded capacity in time for their crucial Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Newcastle United next Wednesday. A significant portion of these new seats, specifically 14,000, will be allocated to club members who have the opportunity to purchase season tickets for the rest of the campaign. The complete reopening of the third tier is anticipated for the next season.
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