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Spotify Camp Nou history: From 1957 to today

Opened in 1957, Spotify Camp Nou has grown from a monumental football stadium into a global icon of the sport. As the home of FC Barcelona for over six decades, it has witnessed legendary matches, historic moments, and the rise of football greats. From its original construction to its ongoing transformation under the Espai Barça project, Camp Nou continues to evolve, preserving its legacy while looking boldly to the future.

Spotify Camp Nou timeline

  • 1954: Construction begins on Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to create a groundbreaking stadium that reflects the grandeur of FC Barcelona's legacy.
  • 1957: The inaugural match takes place at Spotify Camp Nou.
  • 1962: Spotify Camp Nou hosts its first European Cup final, witnessing a thrilling clash between Ajax and Internazionale.
  • 1982: The stadium undergoes renovations for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to hosting international events.
  • 1994: The stadium's capacity is reduced to 99,354 after the removal of standing areas. The pitch is lowered by 2.5 meters to improve visibility.
  • 1999: An unforgettable moment occurs as Spotify Camp Nou witnesses Rivaldo's astonishing bicycle kick goal.
  • 2000: The stadium celebrates its 50th anniversary with a grand gala.
  • 2010: The Spotify Camp Nou Experience, a unique and interactive museum, opens its doors.
  • 2011: Spotify Camp Nou becomes the first stadium in Europe to reach a staggering 120,000 spectator capacity.
  • 2017: Spotify Camp Nou announces plans for a major renovation project, aimed at enhancing the fan experience and modernizing the stadium for future generations.
  • 2022: Spotify partners with Camp Nou, bringing the power of music and sports together.

​Spotify Camp Nou Architecture

Spotify Camp Nou history explained

Opening of Spotify Camp Nou (1957)

Spotify Camp Nou opened on September 24, 1957, marking a major milestone for FC Barcelona and world football. Built to replace the smaller Les Corts stadium, it became the largest stadium in Europe at the time. The opening match was a friendly between FC Barcelona and a Warsaw XI, ending in a 4–2 victory for Barça. Eulogio Martínez scored the stadium’s first-ever goal.

Hosting the 1982 FIFA World Cup (1982)

In 1982, Spotify Camp Nou was one of the key venues for the FIFA World Cup held in Spain. It hosted the tournament’s opening ceremony and several matches, putting Barcelona on the global sporting map. The event elevated the stadium’s prestige as a world-class venue.

Rivaldo’s iconic goal (1999)

On November 21, 1999, Rivaldo scored an unforgettable bicycle kick goal against Valencia at Camp Nou. This moment is widely remembered as one of the greatest goals in football history and earned the title of “Best Goal of the Century” by FIFA.

Launch of the Camp Nou Experience (2010)

In 2010, the Camp Nou Experience opened to the public—an interactive museum and stadium tour that lets visitors explore the club’s history, trophies, and behind-the-scenes areas like the locker rooms and pitchside. It has since become one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions.

Espai Barça project begins (2023)

Work on the Espai Barça redevelopment officially began in 2023, signaling the start of a bold transformation for the stadium and surrounding facilities. During construction, FC Barcelona temporarily relocated matches to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The goal is to modernize Spotify Camp Nou while preserving its legacy.

The future of Spotify Camp Nou (2026)

The renovation is expected to finish in 2026. Key upgrades include:

  • A new roof covering all seats
  • Increased capacity of over 105,000 spectators
  • Improved facilities, accessibility, and sustainability features

The revamped stadium will ensure Spotify Camp Nou continues to be a global icon for football and a proud symbol of Barcelona’s heritage.

Construction of Spotify Camp Nou

The construction of Spotify Camp Nou began in 1954, designed by the famous Catalan architect Francesc Mitjans Miró. Drawing inspiration from the Roman Colosseum, the design balanced modern engineering with timeless style. The stadium was built using innovative methods such as prefabricated concrete and a pioneering cable-stayed roof structure.

Building on swampy land presented challenges, as did the political climate of the time, but after five years of hard work, the stadium officially opened in 1957. From hosting the 1982 FIFA World Cup to unforgettable UEFA Champions League finals, Camp Nou has witnessed some of football’s most historic moments.

Today, Spotify Camp Nou is more than just a stadium; it’s a global icon and one of Barcelona’s most visited attractions, drawing millions of fans and tourists every year.

Camp Nou today

Camp Nou

Today, Spotify Camp Nou stands as a proud symbol of FC Barcelona's legacy and ambition. While the stadium is currently undergoing a major renovation under the Espai Barça project, it remains a central part of the club’s identity and the city’s cultural landscape.

The redevelopment, scheduled for completion in 2026, aims to modernize the stadium. Despite the temporary closure, the FC Barcelona Museum and other related attractions remain open, allowing fans to continue engaging with the club’s rich history.

More than just a football stadium, Camp Nou today represents the spirit of "Més que un club" ("More than a club"), a place where football, community, and Catalan pride come together. With its transformation underway, Camp Nou is set to remain a world-class sporting venue for generations to come.

Frequently asked questions about Spotify Camp Nou history

Camp Nou officially opened on September 24, 1957, replacing the old Les Corts stadium.