Speaking on El Mon a RAC1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his joy and delight at the team’s imminent return to the Spotify Camp Nou.
After more than two years away, the Blaugrana will again play their home matches at the iconic stadium, now renovated, with the reopening set to take place this Saturday against Athletic Club.
Laporta, who was the driving force behind the renovation works at the venue, could not contain his happiness about the imminent return after some setbacks along the way.
“It’s a return to the future. We’ll relive the past and we’re really looking forward to it. It will be a historic moment, and we’re regaining a home advantage that we don’t have at
Montjuic,” said Laporta.
At the same time, the Barcelona president also noted that works continue on Phase 1C, which would further expand the capacity of the stadium from 45,000 to 62,000.
“The moment of returning will be wonderful. Now we’re fighting for Phase 1C. This continues,” remarked the Barça chief.
While the return to Camp Nou this weekend will certainly be a special moment, the ticket prices for the game against Athletic Club are a touch exorbitant.
Laporta acknowledged that the current prices correspond to a “special day”, and assured that prices will be adjusted as capacity grows.
“As we increase capacity, we will adjust the prices. This is an exceptional moment. Season tickets are the best in Europe. Based on studies we’ve conducted, these are the prices we felt we should set. They are slightly above average,” he noted.
“Members can get them starting at €159. It’s a historic moment. And for the 24,000 season ticket holders, the Main Stand costs €52 per match, and a corner or goal stand ticket costs €20.”
Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona home ground
Barcelona return home this weekend. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Barça president left the door open for more season ticket holders once Phase 1C is completed with the North Stand open, saying:
“There’s a percentage that we’ll adjust between individual tickets and season ticket holders to see if we can reach 62,000 seats before the end of the year. We’re very happy, but the stadium is still under construction.”
The next hurdle for Barcelona is to secure approval from UEFA to play their remaining home games in the group stage of the Champions League at Camp Nou.
After all, the Catalans have used Montjuic as their home until now and rules stipulate that any team can use only one stadium for the stage.
“We’ll have UEFA’s decision shortly. We hope it will be favourable. We’re making the necessary adjustments to meet the requirements,” said Laporta.
“For La Liga, we haven’t been able to isolate the opposing fans (Athletic) and there won’t be any tickets available, but it is mandatory for UEFA. If there aren’t enough tickets for the opposing fans, we won’t be able to play at home, but I’m optimistic.”
The president highlighted the excitement within the team ahead of the return to Camp Nou, saying:
“It’s a good match. There’s a rivalry, and they’re a great team. We’ll see two styles of play, which are becoming less and less different, with very high-level players, and I know that the players and Hansi Flick at the helm are extremely motivated.”
Concluding, Laporta added: “I want to give credit to the board of directors and the club’s employees, and I especially want to highlight Joan Sentelles for his great work.
“Elena Fort will continue to be the spokesperson for this process, and I hope to see the stadium finished as soon as possible. It’s a collective achievement.”