30% sporting event capacities approved ahead of La Liga opener

The Catalan government has published the new Covid-19 measures related to sporting events, allowing for 30% capacity in open-air venues with a total overall capacity of more than 10,000. 

This means that FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou will be able to welcome 29,803 fans for the first time since March 2020 when they take on Real Sociedad in the season opener on Sunday evening, August 15.

Coincidentally, the last game to take place in Barça’s home ground with fans present was also a La Liga duel with Real Sociedad.

Additionally, Espanyol will be able to welcome around 12,072 supporters for their first home game back in the top division after winning the Segunda title last campaign. They take on Villarreal in the RCDE Stadium on August 21. 

The newly published measures regulating the attendance at outdoor sporting events also say that areas of the stands must be sectioned, with a maximum of 3,000 people per area in pre-allocated seats, and only for fans with season tickets or otherwise signed up with the club. 

Face masks will be mandatory throughout the event and no food or drink will be sold. 

In outdoor venues with a total capacity of less than 10,000, the regulations remain as follows: 70% capacity with a maximum number of 3,000 attendees.

With regard to installations in enclosed spaces, the capacity is kept at 70% with a maximum of 1,000 people or 3,000 if the venue has heightened ventilation and air quality control.