[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, Barcelona plans to expand the capacity of Camp Nou to 62,000 seats in February. Due to the approval process, the club’s original schedule for the expansion, intended for late January, has been delayed. The city council’s technical staff requested the club to submit detailed design plans for the entrances and exits of the north stand, making it impossible for Barcelona to increase seating for the matches against Oviedo on January 25 and Copenhagen thereafter.
Currently, the club’s management has adjusted their strategy, aiming to achieve the 62,000-seat capacity for the UEFA Champions League playoff matches scheduled for mid to late February. From a competitive standpoint, Barcelona is currently ranked 15th in the Champions League and will likely need to compete in a two-legged playoff to secure a spot in the Round of 16. The expanded stadium will provide a stronger cheering atmosphere for these home playoff matches.
According to the latest construction timeline, the first and second tiers of the north stand will be ready for opening by mid-February, raising Camp Nou’s capacity from the current 45,000 to 62,000. Although the expansion will not be completed in time for the league match against Mallorca in early February, Barcelona hopes to officially use the expanded stands during the match against Levante on February 21 or in subsequent Champions League home games.