Barcelona have unveiled a video unveiling the new version of their Camp Nou stadium. Named the ‘Nou Camp Nou’, the project will oversee a redevelopment that will raise the capacity of the historic arena from 99.354 to 105,000 – while also ensuring a host of modern features that will bring the stadium into the 21st century.
With Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in attendance, Barcelona unveiled the £500 million revamp project, to be overseen by Japanese architects Nikken Sekei and Joan Pascual.
Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona’s president was confident that the Nou Camp Nou would be the ‘the best arena in the world’, while extolling it’s features,saying “It will be transparent and you will be able to view the whole city, from the sea to the mountain. It will be an icon for those you come to see the city of Barcelona, a reference for how stadiums will be built in the future.”
The Camp Nou was built in 1957, and Barcelona also assured fans that there would be no disruption in the footballing schedule, with development to take place over four years.
Andres Iniesta, who was also present lauded the design, saying “Having a stadium like this one will keep on being a reference for one of the best clubs in the world. We'll enjoy it in different ways, of course - some of us playing and some watching. I don't know [which I'll be doing]! We've been lucky to play at many different stadia, but I think this will be unique.”
Bartomeu also noted the economic benefits of the stadium, saying “The economy will continue to grow as more people will come, but also for the members as it will be better conditioned. Les Corts - the neighbourhood where it is situated - and the city in general will benefit.”
