Camp Nou is ready to return. It’s official that FC Barcelona’s stadium will reopen its doors on August 10 after more than two years playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic. This is good news, but the stadium will once again be the scene of great nights while construction continues. The date chosen is the Joan Gamper Trophy, which could see a larger crowd than expected.
The return date
The Joan Gamper Trophy is the moment chosen by FC Barcelona to return to the Camp Nou pitch on August 10, 2025. At the moment, there is no confirmed opponent for the legendary trophy, but everything points to Cesc Fábregas’ Italian side Como being the expected rival. Before the match, a mock match will be held to check access and security. As we have already mentioned, the work is still ongoing, with the construction of the new third stand, the double VIP ring, the installation of the roof, as well as the final adaptation of some interior spaces and the landscaping of the area surrounding the stadium still pending, according to the club’s official statement.
More capacity than expected
As for the capacity for this match, it was expected that the match could be played in front of at least 25,000 spectators. This is fewer than the 60,000 spectators expected to be present for the first LaLiga matches. However, in the last few hours, Mundo Deportivo has indicated that the idea is that 60,000 people will be able to enter between the First and Second Stands.
Ticket sales could begin soon with the slogan “Tornem a casa, vibrem” (Let’s go home, let’s vibrate). A great response is expected as it is the stadium’s debut and people will want to see the new turf, the stands, and the new lighting. In addition, it will be the first opportunity for Barça fans to see Joan García and, probably, Nico Williams live.
The culmination of the preseason
The Joan Gamper will be the last preseason fixture for Hansi Flick’s Barça, who will make their league debut a week later, away from home, as they have requested not to play at home until September. The first team will return to action on Sunday, July 13, with a day of medical examinations. A day later, on Monday, July 14, work will begin on the pitch to prepare for what promises to be an intense preseason.
The preseason includes an Asian tour with the first match scheduled for July 27 in Kobe, Japan, against Vissel Kobe. The team will then head to South Korea where, pending official confirmation, it will play two matches on July 21 and August 4.