FC Barcelona are continuing to push forward with the gradual reopening of their historic home as work progresses on the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou.
The situation around the stadium drew particular attention recently when Barcelona hosted the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final there while operating with a reduced capacity of around 45,000 spectators.
The match followed a heavy 4-0 first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Barcelona had hoped to secure the Phase 1C licence in time to reopen the North Stand and boost attendance, but the approval did not arrive before the game. Even so, [the Catalan side responded with a 3-0 victory](https://semprebarca.com/marc-bernal-9-5-lamine-yamal-9-0-barcelona-3-0-atletico-madrid-player-ratings/), falling just short of completing a historic comeback.
With that chapter now behind them, the Catalan giants are currently looking forward to receiving the approval from the Barcelona City Council for Phase 1C of the stadium’s first occupancy license for their next home game.
While the council has not set a timeline, according to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260304/1004145841/barca-espera-ok-1c-spotify-camp-nou-viernes-lunes.html), the Catalan club remains confident that the green light could arrive either this Friday or next Monday.
If the authorization is granted, it will allow the reopening of the North Stand, known as Gol Nord, and increase the stadium’s capacity from 45,401 spectators to around 62,000.
The club hopes that the approval will arrive in time for the upcoming league match against Sevilla FC scheduled for Sunday, the 15th. That fixture could become the first game this season in which the first two tiers of the stadium operate at full capacity. The match is also set to take place on the same day as the club’s presidential elections, which would add further significance to the occasion.
Looking slightly further ahead, Barcelona are also preparing to host Newcastle United at the stadium on Wednesday, the 18th, in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. Should the new capacity be approved in time, that European night could also benefit from the expanded attendance.
Once the city council officially approves Phase 1C, Barcelona will activate the next step for supporters. Season ticket holders at the stadium will receive an additional 24 hours to apply for one of the 14,000 new season tickets that were first announced on February 19.
Those tickets are priced between €160 and €264. If the number of applications exceeds the available supply, the club has confirmed that a lottery will be used to determine which fans secure the new seats.
For Barcelona, the potential approval would mark another step forward in restoring the atmosphere of one of football’s most iconic stadiums while construction work continues around it.