Camp Nou countdown: Barcelona gear up for grand return

The Catalan giants are set to host the Joan Gamper Trophy at their iconic stadium this summer, provided there are no last-minute hitches.

According to reports from Catalunya Radio, the club must complete four key steps to make this happen.

First, Barcelona have submitted all necessary documentation to Barcelona City Council for construction and activity permits. The authorities now have a two-week window to review and approve the paperwork.

Second, the club need to secure a first-occupation permit from the Les Corts District, a process that typically takes two to three weeks. July will be a pivotal month to ensure all approvals are in place for the Gamper match.

The third step involves gaining approval for an evacuation walkway near the Maternitat area.

Finally, the club are coordinating with the Mossos d'Esquadra's Central Operative Unit to finalise security arrangements for the stadium's surroundings.

Before the Gamper, Barcelona plan a test event with around 20,000 attendees to assess mobility and logistics. The trophy match itself will see a reduced capacity of approximately 35,000 spectators.

The past two editions of the Joan Gamper Trophy were held at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, where Barcelona faced Tottenham Hotspur and AS Monaco.

Early Season Plans

Barcelona have requested to start the 2025/26 La Liga season with away fixtures to allow extra time for preparations. When they return to the Spotify Camp Nou, the stadium will initially operate at a limited capacity of around 65,000 seats, with a full return expected by mid-September.

The Gamper match will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for their first competitive home game.

The focus remains on ensuring the Spotify Camp Nou is ready to welcome fans back in style, with the Joan Gamper Trophy set to mark a historic moment for the club.