Barcelona receive licence for Spotify Camp Nou expansion in time for Sevilla clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona has received the 1C license from the City Council allowing the club to open the first and second tiers of the Gol Nord (North Stand) at Spotify Camp Nou starting this Sunday, March 15, during the match against Sevilla.

The game will coincide with the presidential elections at Barcelona.

With this authorisation, the stadium’s capacity will increase significantly – from the current 45,401 spectators to 62,657 seats.

Took longer than expected

The city council raised more obstacles than initially anticipated, particularly regarding access and entry requirements, before granting permission to open the first two tiers of the North Stand. According to the club, these sections had already been fully completed for some time.

Less than two weeks ago, Barcelona launched the process allowing club members to apply for season tickets tied to the expansion, which adds roughly 14,000 new seats to the stadium.

However, the approval from the council took time to come, until it finally arrived earlier today, in time for Sunday’s La Liga game against Sevilla.

More fans at the stadium starting this week. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With the new license, it should also be possible to reopen the Grada d’Animació (the supporters’ cheering section).

However, the Catalans still do not know whether there will be enough time to install it in its permanent location or whether it will temporarily remain in the same area used during the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Boost for the presidential elections

This Sunday is expected to be a major day at the stadium. Alongside the match against Sevilla, Barcelona members will also vote in the club’s presidential elections, choosing the leadership that will guide the institution for the next five years.

The increase in stadium capacity is expected to encourage higher voter turnout, since more members will be present at the stadium and able to exercise their voting rights.

Little by little, the renovated stadium continues to take shape. The team’s return to the Camp Nou under coach Hansi Flick has already had a strong social, economic, and institutional impact on the club.

Source: SPORT