Barcelona executive does not rule out Camp Nou reaching full capacity in 2027: ‘If we’re lucky…’

Barcelona executive does not rule out Camp Nou reaching full capacity in 2027: ‘If we’re lucky…’ Joan Sentelles, director of Espai Barça , has provided an optimistic update on the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou, insisting that the stadium will be fully completed in time to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final. The Blaugrana’s home stadium was chosen as the venue for the event by UEFA earlier today , with Camp Nou beaeting competition from Wembley Stadium in London. And, speaking to La Tarda de Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT ), Sentelles stressed that Barcelona are working with enough time to ensure the stadium is ready for European football’s biggest fixture. “Hosting a Champions League final is a major challenge, and we will have the stadium in perfect condition to host the 2029 Champions League final,” he said. Asked directly whether the stadium would be completely finished by then, Sentelles was emphatic. “Of course it will be finished with 100% capacity, the roof ready, the screens installed… everything ready to go,” he added. Barcelona hope the stadium will be ready even earlier Barça’s current expectation is that the redevelopment will be completed well before the 2029 final. Barcelona will host the 2029 Champions League final. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Sentelles expressed confidence in Limak, the construction company responsible for the renovation, and believes the stadium could be fully operational as early as the 2027/28 season. “The idea is that Limak, with the good work they’re doing, will finish well before then and we’ll have the stadium operational at least the previous season,” he said. The club’s main target is for Spotify Camp Nou to be fully operational during the 2028/29 season, although an earlier date is not entirely ruled out. “UEFA are very demanding and the reality is that we’ve been explaining the different phases of the work and the objectives we have to them.” “Because it’s in 2029, there’s a lot of room for error, but the idea is that everything will be fully operational during the 2028/29 season. If we’re lucky, we could even have part of 2027 with full capacity.” That possibility would allow Barcelona to return to a completely full Spotify Camp Nou before the stadium reaches its final deadline. No changes to the project because of the Champions League final Sentelles also explained that UEFA have not imposed a specific deadline for the stadium’s completion. “We haven’t been given a deadline by UEFA. We have to meet demanding requirements, just as the city will have to meet some significant requirements, including a certain number of hotels within a specific distance,” he said. Barça remain in contact with UEFA to provide updates on the redevelopment and explain the various stages of the project. Barcelona confident Camp Nou will be fully ready in time for the event. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) Sentelles is confident that both the city and the stadium will satisfy the organisation’s requirements. “They are demanding, but the city of Barcelona meets them perfectly and we will also have a stadium that meets the requirements.” “They aren’t forcing us to make any changes to the stadium. It won’t cost more money,” Sentelles said. The financial impact of hosting the final Sentelles also played down the direct financial impact of hosting the Champions League final. “A final like this isn’t an event that generates money. I don’t handle that area, but simply through sponsorship there will surely be synergies that are interesting for the club.” For Barcelona, the significance of the 2029 final therefore extends beyond the immediate financial return. The event will provide a major showcase for the newly redeveloped Spotify Camp Nou on the biggest stage in European club football.