Barcelona Confirms Girona Clash at Olympic Stadium Amidst Camp Nou Delays

Barcelona has officially announced that their upcoming La Liga match against Girona, scheduled for October 18, will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, likewise known as the Olympic Stadium. This decision comes as renovations at the Spotify Camp Nou continue to face delays, preventing the club from returning to their iconic home stadium.

Camp Nou Renovations and Timeline

Renovations at Camp Nou began in June 2023, with initial plans aiming for a reduced-capacity reopening by the start of the 2025-26 campaign. However, significant setbacks have pushed back the timeline. The club initially hoped to host the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como in August at a partially renovated Camp Nou, but instead had to move the fixture to the smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff [1].

Venue for October 18th Match

Barcelona has been utilizing the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for several matches while Camp Nou is unavailable. A club statement confirmed the Girona match will be held at the Montjuïc neighborhood stadium [1]. The club is working to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the reopening of Spotify Camp Nou and is in constant contact with the Barcelona City Council for inspections [1].

Champions League Match Also Affected

The delay also impacts the Champions League match against Olympiacos on October 21, which will also be played at the Olympic Stadium [2].

Phased Reopening Plan

Barcelona aims to return to Spotify Camp Nou in phases. The club anticipates receiving an occupancy license for phase 1A, allowing for a capacity of up to 27,000 spectators. However, the full return is contingent on obtaining a license for phase 1B, which would increase the stadium’s capacity to 45,000 [2].

Financial Implications of Delays

The ongoing renovations at Camp Nou are impacting Barcelona’s finances. The club had requested to play their first three La Liga games away from home at the start of the 2025/26 season, and this request was granted [4].

Future Fixtures and Potential Return Date

The club has not yet confirmed the venue for November’s home league fixtures against Elche, Athletic Club, and Alavés. While a return to Camp Nou in mid-October for the Girona match was initially hoped for, the board is now considering a return on November 23, after the international break, to ensure the stadium can accommodate at least 45,000 fans [4].