Higher prices and products for the rich, this is how the new Camp Nou will be paid for

2023-06-18 07:45:19

BarcelonaIn the same way that the new Camp Nou generates excitement among the social mass of Barça, many fans also look with suspicion at the financing worth 1,450 million. The renders they foresee a majestic and modern coliseum, with new services and more possibilities. But to reach the 346 million expected revenue, 120 more than so far, two things are needed: a general rise in prices and products intended for those with more money.

The company Legends was in charge of making a report on the viability of Espai Barça, guiding the club to know how to squeeze the potential of the new stadium and achieve the expected revenue figure. The document was included in the notarial deed of the financing – to which this newspaper has had access – and, in annex 2, it establishes the commitment that the entity has acquired to have enough capital to repay the debt in the agreed conditions.

The importance of VIP products

The new Camp Nou will be bigger. It will go from the current 99,432 locations to 105,281. And most of the new seats will be for the VIP areas. If until now 22 million was generated in this concept, now it will be 76.5, more than triple. The two rings located between the second and third bleachers will have 240 boxes, of which 65 have 12 seats and 175 have 4 seats. Outside this zone, 3,494 permanent VIP seats will be made available. And for those named big matcheson big Champions League days or when there is a classic against Real Madrid, the club will convert normal seats into premiumcharging them more expensive but offering food and drink service in return.

There has been a lot of talk about the increase in season tickets. And yes, they will be more expensive, but the increase will not be as excessive as had been speculated. At least that’s what the report says, which only foresees “an increase of 1% per year to compensate for loyalty”. Barça will end up charging 9 million euros extra for season tickets, and will exceed the 50 million threshold with the new stadium. A figure that is obtained for the 2,400 seats that will be put on sale for members who are on the waiting list.

Tickets for the new Camp Nou will be 15% more expensive

For non-subscribers, however, the increase will be 15%. In the goals of the third tier, the furthest from the field, watching a match there will cost between 45 and 70 euros, depending on the opponent, while in the first tier of the tribune a minimum of 130 euros is established. Among the 12,162 seats that will be put up for sale each day plus those released with the Free Seat modality, the forecast is to increase annual revenue by more than 15 million, up to 73.8.

However, the beauty of the new Camp Nou is that the stadium is at full capacity even if there is no match. It usually happens with the museum and the tour for the installations, products that will become stars in the future, and with which it is expected to reach a turnover of 80 million, twice as much as until now. From a basic price of 26 euros, there will be different tours and services that can cost up to 250 euros per visitor. You will be charged both to see the inside of the stadium, step on the grass and see the changing rooms and to walk around the terraces of the third tier and enjoy theskyline from barcelona

The sponsors of the stadium – currently, Spotify – must report a minimum of 47 million per course, and the rental of the facilities – for company meetings or conferences – must amount to 8.5. One of the attractions will be the possibility of eating in the restaurants at the Camp Nou, even on days when there is no match. There will be four, which will have to serve around 3 million menus a year and with prices of up to 20 euros on average per diner. The current kiosks where sandwiches are sold in the stadium have a better life and are replaced by a more complete gastronomic offer. Although, also, of a higher cost.

The new Camp Nou will be, as defined by the board, “a new stadium concept”. But everyone will have to contribute, from the general public to the wealthiest, scratching their pockets, to prevent the men in black from coming.