In April, Barcelona surprised fans with aerial photos of a fresh green pitch. What looked like a sign of progress turned out to be a carefully staged illusion. The grass will disappear before a single match is played on it.

Pitch for eye, not for football

In spring 2025, FC Barcelona shared aerial images of new Spotify Camp Nou showing not only the stands and cranes but also a marked, ready-looking pitch. At first glance, it resembled a stadium ready to host matches. Enthusiastic comments followed, suggesting everything was on track. But just weeks later, it became clear that the pitch had nothing to do with the planned return of the team.

The grass was part of a carefully designed PR strategy by president Joan Laporta. It was laid and marked not for play, but to make it look like the project was nearing completion. According to AS, the turf will be removed in summer to allow for continued construction work using heavy equipment.

© FC Barcelona

Test pitch, not the final one

Although the whole situation might seem like pure media staging, it also had a technical purpose. The company responsible for laying the turf needed to test the drainage and irrigation systems on the new stadium structure. In that sense, the temporary turf served a functional role. Still, the timing and presentation suggest its main goal was communication.

The pitch photos and installation videos — published by the club on April 23 — were more symbolic than they were signs of actual construction progress. They were also intended to show regulators that key infrastructure elements — especially VIP areas, which are financially crucial — were advancing well.

© FC Barcelona

Return in September, but only partial

While the turf will be removed, Barcelona plans to install the actual playing surface in July. The new, final pitch will be ready for an August test during the Gamper Trophy, which is expected to take place with a reduced capacity of 25,000 spectators. This will be a test not only for the turf’s quality but also for access, logistics, and the stadium’s operational readiness.

Javier Tebas confirmed that the 2025/26 LaLiga season will begin with Barcelona playing at least their first four matches away. The return to Camp Nou is scheduled for the second half of September, with the stadium accommodating up to 65,000 fans — even though construction will still be ongoing.

© FC Barcelona

What about season tickets?

As was the case at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc, Barcelona’s 83,000 club members will not have permanent seats. Season tickets will be allocated based on seat availability, meaning members will only regain the right to fixed seats once the stadium fully reopens.