Barcelona welcome more fans, singing section back to Camp Nou

"After two years playing at the Olympic Stadium while Spotify Camp Nou underwent a €1.5 billion refurbishment, Barcelona returned last November, but it hasn't quite felt right seeing Lamine Yamal score to the backdrop of an empty Gol Nord. However, safety checks have now been passed and 17,000 additional fans will squeeze into the stadium as Barcelona compete to retain their title in LaLiga, where they have a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table, and to win the Champions League for the first time since 2015."

"Barcelona want Spotify Camp Nou to become a pressure cooker for rival teams in the final months of the season after receiving permission to increase the capacity to 62,652 ahead of vital games in LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League. The permission arrived this week, with the Gol Nord now complete and ready to host fans for the visits of Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday and Newcastle United in the Champions League on Wednesday."

"It will improve the visual experience, both inside the stadium and on TV, but perhaps the most significant development is the return of the Grada d'Animación, the singing section, at the other end of the pitch, in the Gol Sur. The section -- which holds around 1,200 fans -- designated for the Grada d'Animación will finally open against Sevilla. The club are hopeful that the fans in there will help the crowd play the role of 12th man."

Barcelona has received permission to increase Spotify Camp Nou's capacity from 45,000 to 62,652 by opening the Gol Nord stand, which was previously closed during the stadium's €1.5 billion refurbishment. The club returns to full capacity starting with matches against Sevilla in LaLiga and Newcastle United in the Champions League. Additionally, the Grada d'Animación singing section reopens in the Gol Sur with approximately 1,200 dedicated fans. These developments aim to enhance the visual experience for spectators and broadcasters while creating a more intimidating home environment. Barcelona currently leads LaLiga by four points over Real Madrid and seeks their first Champions League title since 2015.

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