Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10

Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10
After suffering several delays since beginning in 2023, the project dubbed ‘Espai Barca’ is due to finish in the summer of 2026 and boost the Camp Nou’s capacity to 105,000. (AFP)
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Updated 25 June 2025

Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10

Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10
  • The traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match will only mark the stadium’s partial reopening
  • Barca will have another month to continue work on the new Camp Nou stadium

BARCELONA: Barcelona announced on Wednesday their long-awaited return to the new Camp Nou for an August 10 friendly after years of work to expand and modernize the iconic stadium.

The traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match will only mark the stadium’s partial reopening, with construction work continuing in various areas, the current Spanish champions said in a statement.

This includes the completion of the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, the roof installation, interior spaces and development of the stadium’s surrounding area.

The Catalan giants have not confirmed the initial capacity, but local media reported that the available stands can hold 35,000 fans.

“Barcelona takes a symbolic and emotional step into the future, reclaiming its home in a new era that will culminate with the complete inauguration of the new stadium,” the club said.

Barca will have another month to continue work on the stadium after requesting to play their first three La Liga games of the upcoming season away from home.

After suffering several delays since beginning in 2023, the project dubbed “Espai Barca” is due to finish in the summer of 2026 and boost the Camp Nou’s capacity to 105,000.

Barcelona have in the meantime played their home games at the smaller Montjuic Olympic stadium.


Riyadh to host PIF Saudi International as part of Riyadh Season 2025

Riyadh to host PIF Saudi International as part of Riyadh Season 2025
Updated 10 November 2025

Riyadh to host PIF Saudi International as part of Riyadh Season 2025

Riyadh to host PIF Saudi International as part of Riyadh Season 2025
  • Joaquin Niemann returns to Saudi capital to defend title he won last year
  • Dustin Johnson, a two-time winner of the PIF Saudi International (2021, 2022), will make his sixth appearance at the tournament

RIYADH: Golf Saudi has officially announced the launch of the 2025 PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, a major sporting event taking place as part of Riyadh Season 2025.

This year’s edition brings a new and exceptional twist, with the introduction of the WOW Festival — an immersive celebration combining world-class golf, luxury cars, and live music, offering a unique experience that blends sport, entertainment and culture in one of the highlights of Riyadh Season 2025.

Golf enthusiasts can look forward to seeing some of the sport’s biggest names, including Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton, and Dustin Johnson, as they compete in the season finale of the International Series on the Asian Tour.

The PIF Saudi International is likely to be one of the standout experiences of the Riyadh Season 2025.

Ticket sales are now open for fans via Webook.com, with the tournament to be held Nov. 19-22 at Riyadh Golf Club.

Defending champion Niemann will return this November after securing a dramatic victory in a three-way, two-hole playoff last year to claim the title and top the International Series rankings. The 26-year-old has been in dominant form, capturing seven titles in the LIV Golf League, including five this season.

Johnson, a two-time winner of the PIF Saudi International (2021, 2022), will make his sixth appearance at the tournament, while Ryder Cup star Hatton returns after an impressive debut last year, where he finished fifth.

Niemann said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to Riyadh to defend my title at the PIF Saudi International. Last year’s win was a special moment in my career, and the atmosphere at Riyadh Golf Club was incredible. The course sets up really well for my game, and with such a strong field again this year, it’s going to be an exciting challenge.”

Golf Saudi’s vision is to be the catalyst for to become an exceptional golfing nation. In addition to delivering world class events such as the PIF Saudi International, Golf Saudi delivers world-class facilities, operational excellence, and implementation of best practices at its impressive portfolio of events.

The tournament is the last of nine elevated events on The International Series calendar this season. The Asian Tour-sanctioned tournaments provide a direct pathway for players from all over the world into the LIV Golf League. The champion and runner-up of the season-ending International Series Rankings will secure a spot on the 2026 LIV Golf League roster.

This is the second year the tournament will be held at Riyadh Golf Club, the home of Golf Saudi and is the Saudi capital’s premier golf course. Its par-72 championship course is set across 7,434 yards of undulating fairways and has played host to many of the Kingdom’s leading tournaments, including the Saudi Open presented by PIF, the Aramco Team Series Riyadh, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.

The PIF Saudi International moved to the Asian Tour circuit in 2022 as part of a new partnership and this year has attracted a stellar family of co-sponsors including Riyadh Season, tournament partners SHG, GIB, Al-Hammadi Hospitals Group, Saddik & Mohamed Attar, and Rolex.

To buy tickets for the PIF Saudi International, please visit www.saudiinternational.com

For more information about the tournament and future Golf Saudi events, visit Golf Saudi.