Barcelona reveal first game at renovated Nou Camp as 100,000-seater stadium finally nears completion
BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has revealed when the Nou Camp will officially be reopened.
The iconic stadium has been undergoing a period of redevelopment over the last two years.
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As a result, the capacity is expected to increase from 99,000 to around 105,000 when the building work is finished.
The ground was initially expected to open at the end of last year, but delays pushed the date back.
Now, Barcelona expect to return in August.
Club president Laporta has earmarked August 16 - the day of the Gamper Trophy match - as the potential reopening.
Speaking on TV3 while reviewing the club's season, the Spaniard said: "We want it to serve as the pilot test for the stadium's reopening. We're working on this idea.
"The Gamper is expected to be held at the Spotify Camp Nou.
"We want it to be a pilot test in terms of access, operational capacity, etc.
"We believe it's the best way to run a full-scale trial."
The new stadium is expected to cost Barcelona £1.25billion overall.
But, it is also anticipated to earn the club an extra £25million per year in revenue.
Since leaving the Nou Camp, Barcelona have been playing their home matches at the nearby Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
When they return, the ground would have officially been renamed to the Spotify Camp Nou following a £235m deal with the music streaming service.
The Spanish giants go into the 2025-26 season as La Liga champions having beat Real Madrid to the title by four points.
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