Barcelona unveils photos of renovated Camp Nou

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) — Barcelona on Tuesday released new images of its iconic Camp Nou, saying it was on track to be the biggest sports facility in Europe.

"Espai Barça will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city. A unique project: up to €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in investment, 18 hectares (about 4.5 acres) of land in a central location in a city like Barcelona, ​​and with 350,000 m2 (over 3.7 square feet) of roofing," Barcelona said in a statement.

The New Barca stadium, sponsored by music streaming company Spotify, will hold 104,000 supporters with the construction set to be officially completed in the 2026-27 season.

However, the club plan to move back into the complex by mid-season in December 2024 with around 60% capacity.

Barcelona added they have developed a novel financing structure for the stadium that adheres to three key conditions approved in a December 2021 referendum within the club.

"Espai Barça finances itself through the income generated by the project itself, which means never mortgaging the Club's assets, never depending on the members for revenue, and never jeopardizing the sports management."

Barcelona called Camp Nou home since its completion in 1957 but have not played in their since May 2023.

The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys has been the temporary home of the Spanish giants this season.