Spain: FC Barcelona surprised by socios' reaction to Camp Nou return
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra
October 23 marked the deadline for FC Barcelona’s socios to apply for subscriptions to attend matches at Spotify Camp Nou. A total of 45,000 seats were offered for league and Copa del Rey games, and 40,000 for the Champions League.
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"Every cloud has a silver lining"
Of the available seats, excluding those reserved for club sales and commitments, around 27,000 were open for socios. FC Barcelona had anticipated a lottery would be necessary, assuming more interest than spots available. However, it seems the club overestimated demand, and all socios who applied were guaranteed a seat—there were fewer requests than places available.
It appears many socios prefer to wait until construction fully concludes in 2026, partly because they must now confirm attendance six days in advance. The club also knows that many season ticket holders only attend marquee games (El Clásico, Atlético, and spring Champions League matches) and resell others through Seient Lliure, which isn’t yet operational. Management is considering allowing these unused tickets to be resold, which may generate higher revenue. Given the club’s current financial situation, they see this as a silver lining.
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Montjuïc security concerns. Firms call for reinforcements
Barça wants to return to Camp Nou as soon as possible. Beyond the economic impact, organizing matches at the Olímpic Lluís Companys has brought challenges. Camp Nou was safer than Montjuïc. Barça previously hired far more security staff,
says a club security worker, referencing incidents last season against PSG and this year with Bayern Munich. Xavier Porcuna, Barcelona’s head of security, also supports returning to Camp Nou, citing complications with external monitoring at Montjuïc. The club collaborates with security firms Barna Porters and Sabico, both of which request additional personnel.
Camp Nou had two security layers: one entrance to the grounds, another to the stands. On Montjuïc, fans proceed straight to stadium gates. Events are problematic. Ticket-holding fans mix with those without tickets, who often have flares and other pyrotechnics. Many try to get close to the gates,
say Barna Porters representatives.
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