Renovated Nou Camp is flooded by heavy rain

Since Joan Laporta took over as Barcelona president once again (first time from 2003-2010) in 2021, his main task was not only to become La Liga champion again, but to stabilize the terrible financial situation. It’s not a secret that his predecessor Josep Maria Bartomeu left the club in financial plight and Laporta is still trying to get out of that financial hole. One of the resources (apart from the matchday revenue) is off course the famous Nou Camp. The iconic stadium is a subject to a big (and expensive) reconstruction which is set to finish in June-July 2026, when the full capacity will be around 105.000 seats. But since the start of the reconstruction there has been setbacks which even forced Barca to play away from their own ground. And now, a new potential problem arose.

During their latest game at Nou Camp against Ovideo, a heavy rain flooded the stadium and leaks were not only visible but scary looking as well. And we are talking about a stadium which is being renovated and the parts which are finished got the approval and all necessary licenses. Those who did attend Barca's 3-0 defeat of Real Oviedo would have been wise to have brought their umbrella, after rainwater appeared to gush through various parts of the stadium. Journalists were also in problem with water filling up a walkway like a small canal, and reporters forced to don waterproof jackets and put up umbrellas to protect their electricals.

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To make things even worse, the rain didn’t ‘spare’ the VIP sector and Laporta himself, as they were also soaking wet.

“We all got wet. We knew it could happen, but in the end, the rain accompanied the victory. It was like witnessing the rain's baptism at Camp Nou. The stadium is under construction, and anything that needs to be fixed on the go, we will address. This is normal and will be resolved. The stadium is progressing at a good pace, and everything is moving along. License 1C (to increase capacity to 62,000) was supposed to be ready at the start of January, but it has been delayed. Now we'll see if we have it for the Mallorca match - I haven't given up yet” said Laporta after the game.