Barcelona | FC Barcelona was supposed to return to its completely renovated Camp Nou stadium after two years of construction. But the reopening has now been canceled for the time being. Whether the arena, which features extensive digital signage, will be ready in time for the Champions League season remains to be seen.
ISE 2026: Barça’s Stadium Opening Cancelled
The timely completion of public buildings is rare in Europe and North America. Delays are common because systems like building controls, sprinklers, and emergency procedures often aren’t yet fully operational at the scheduled time. In Europe especially, regulators are closely inspecting projects before granting approval.
This is also the case in ISE’s home city, where FC Barcelona had to abandon its plans to return to its half-finished stadium in August this week, thus further delaying the stadium’s re-opening.
The Spotify Camp Nou Arena is being completely rebuilt on the existing site for €1.5 billion and will have a capacity of 105,000 spectators in the future. Similar to the Bernabeau Stadium of arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barca is maximizing stadium digitalization. Philips, which is associated with the top European club through Ambilight as a jersey sponsor, is one of the main suppliers. Other ProAV and digital signage suppliers are also involved in the project.
There is still hope that the stadium will be ready for matches by the upcoming ISE in early February and that selected ISE visitors will be able to experience the new installation “live and in color.”
Art calls for art – Lamine Yamal as a mural
For the time being, a very special mural has been created in the Rocafonda district: a graffiti with the number “10” for Lamine Yamal. FC Barcelona dedicated the artwork to the 18-year-old star’s home neighborhood. It’s entirely analog – but no less eye-catching.
