TAKE A SEAT
Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid £1.3BILLION transformation as pics spark fears it won’t be ready on time
Even with its huge new capacity, it won't be the biggest stadium in the world
THE iconic Nou Camp remains completely unrecognisable as work continues on its £1.3BILLION renovation.
But the latest images have sparked growing restlessness that it will not be ready for it's planned December unveiling.
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The world-famous arena saw work begin in June after last season’s LaLiga title victory.
The third tier of the stadium was demolished as the project began to deliver a modernised 105,000 capacity stadium.
It was initially anticipated that the work will be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.
But last month, Barcelona updated the city's Technical Architecture Association on its ahead-of-schedule progress.
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President Joan Laporta told Spanish news outlet that the club is on track to host a match in the Nou Camp before Christmas this year.
It was hoped that the first phase of construction work would be completed in November to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the club.
The fixture would reportedly see the stadium operate with a 60 per cent capacity, with the first and second tiers of the stadium open.
However, new images released have provoked fear among fans who wish to return to their beloved ground this year.
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Latest pictures have shown work has continued on the remaining two tiers in the venue.
All the seats have been ripped up while it sits surrounded by rubble and cranes.
The footage left some supporters absolutely gutted, with one tweeting in response: “This is actually a very sad sight to see.”
Another tweeted: “Hate to see it like this, it won't be ready for a while.”
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The ground will not feature a 360-degree electronic board, as explained by club vice-president and spokeswoman Elena Fort.
It will, however, see escalators and a roof added alongside a stadium rename in line with the club's £237m sponsorship deal with Spotify.
The Catalan giants have been playing home matches at the city's 54,000 capacity Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The new Camp Nou will have the largest capacity in Spain and Europe, and the second largest football stadium in the world.
The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located in Pyongyang, North Korea, is the largest stadium in the world with a staggering capacity of 114,000.
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Barca, who have had well documented financial problems in recent years, are set to earn an extra £25m a year when the revamp is completed.
Images were released by the club last month of the final design of the stadium, which Barcelona have claimed will become an "an architectural benchmark for the city and for the world".
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