Tomorrow, FC Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao for a special match. The Blaugrana will indeed be returning to their home ground after more than two years of renovations, which are not yet entirely finished. This news has been anticipated for months, as the return was initially planned for last season, but construction delays and various administrative issues postponed everything. Naturally, the club's management and fans are delighted with this return. Firstly, there's the symbolic aspect, of course, as returning to one's home ground always evokes special feelings. There's also a practical dimension, as matches at Montjuïc were, for many, quite unpleasant, particularly because the Barcelona Olympic Stadium was somewhat difficult to access, at least from the city center.
A bit cold, with stands quite far from the pitch, Montjuïc felt rather impersonal, and Barcelona fans never truly felt at home there. Admittedly, Camp Nou has never been a cauldron of fervent supporters, but it still possesses a special and unique identity, and the players have also highlighted a striking difference in atmosphere between the two stadiums. This can be a factor, especially in high-stakes matches and big European nights. The Catalan club has also done everything possible to improve the fan experience, who will find a stadium that is more convenient and comfortable than Montjuïc and even the old Camp Nou.
A big financial boost
Among the club's management, they're rubbing their hands with glee. The main consequence of this return to their home ground is obviously financial. This season, Barça estimates that its stadium will bring in €226 million. That's €51 million more than last season, even though the club won't have played all its matches at Camp Nou and not all the stands will be open to the public. Only 45,000 people are expected tomorrow. The club will no longer have to pay the rent for Montjuïc – €25 million was spent in total – and the return to Camp Nou will therefore boost ticket sales with many more seats, and at higher prices to boot, but also commercially, since merchandise sales in the stadium shop have always been very lucrative for Barcelona. Similarly, the various VIP and restaurant areas within the stadium will make it a veritable cash cow.
Organizing events like concerts or sporting events at the revamped Camp Nou should also boost Barcelona's finances, much like the Bernabéu in Madrid, which recently hosted an NFL game. For example, Real Madrid pocketed between 8 and 10 million euros simply by letting the American football league use its stadium. Looking beyond football is also Barça's objective with the Camp Nou. These additional revenues, or so the club's management hopes, will soon allow them to put the numerous financial setbacks of recent years behind them.
0 Comments