For the neighborhoods around the Camp Nou, the return of FC Barcelona means more than just football, because it’s a lifeline for local businesses. Restaurants and bars have been preparing for the first competitive match at the stadium since May 2023, restocking beer, hiring extra staff, and welcoming both longtime customers and visitors.
A new article from Mundo Deportivo outlines some of the business people who are happy with fans returning to Camp Nou. “We’ve prepared with new barrels of beer. We hope for a successful weekend for all the local venues,” says Walter, owner of Casa Ferreiro.
Gloria, at Rellotge de Riera Blanca, highlights the role of supporter groups in keeping business alive during quieter months: “If we didn’t have the Dracs, it would have been difficult. They helped us a lot. They haven’t let us die.”
Meanwhile, Eduardo of Bar Estadio reports, “We’ve worked more than before thanks to the renovation. We’ve doubled our turnover. As a Barça fan, I’m happy the team is back. As a worker, not so much, because it means more work.”
Some establishments have changed hands or reopened after closures, while others are cautiously optimistic, waiting to see how the crowds stabilize over the next few matches. Jairo, owner of the famed La Xurre churrería, laments, “Only tourists come now,” reflecting the challenges of sustaining a business when football is absent.
The excitement around local commerce mirrors the broader significance of the Camp Nou reopening. After two seasons playing home games at Montjuïc, Barcelona will host Athletic Club on Saturday under a Phase 1B occupancy license, allowing 45,401 spectators. The full stadium will eventually seat 105,000 when renovations are completed in June 2026.
Even so, restrictions remain. Barcelona informed Athletic that no tickets will be allocated to away supporters due to “non-independent access points” and “insufficient physical sectorization,” preventing safe division between fans. The club’s ongoing redevelopment includes upgraded player facilities, new VIP areas, improved circulation routes, and digital ticketing systems, all part of the €1.5 billion refurbishment project.
Fans attending Saturday’s match will experience the modernized stadium, but many areas remain under construction. VIP seating ranges from €1,050 to €1,500, while regular tickets start at €199.
