Allegra Pacaembu, operator of Estádio do Pacaembu, has agreed a deal with hotel chain UMusic Hotels to introduce an entertainment and hospitality element to the ongoing redevelopment of the São Paulo venue.
UMusic Hotels will invest R$100m (£13.4m/€15.8m/$17.8m) in the development of a hotel complex at the stadium which will also have a space to host concerts for up to 8,500 people. The building will have a rooftop restaurant, a food market on the top floor, the hotel occupying the two floors below, as well as an art gallery, an innovation hub and a physical recovery centre.
It will be located in the Pacaembu’s south stand, known as the ‘tobogã’. Work commenced on a major transformation of the Pacaembu in June, aiming to enhance the multi-purpose offerings of the venue.
The City Hall of São Paulo and Allegra Pacaembu marked the start of proceedings with the authorisation to demolish the tobogã. Allegra Pacaembu in January 2020 took over the management of the Estádio do Pacaembu complex after being awarded a 35-year contract. The company is planning to deliver a full restoration of the Pacaembu while respecting its history and amplifying its potential.
Estádio do Pacaembu still occasionally hosts home games for the State of São Paulo’s big four football clubs – São Paulo, Corinthians, Palmeiras and Santos. It will continue to serve as a football venue, with the new development designed to enhance its multi-purpose remit.
Indeed, in place of the tobogã a new multi-functional building will be built, rather than a generic stand. The building has been designed to incorporate spaces for unique experiences, different to anything São Paulo currently offers.
“In November 2023, we will have this large complex to strengthen business, tourism and entertainment offerings,” the Mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes, said, according to the Maquina do Esporte website. “Nobody makes an investment in a city if it does not have the capacity to return, to be able to leverage the business.”
Rafael de Carvalho, director of Allegra Pacaembu and architect responsible for the project, added: “A lot is said about multi-purpose arenas. Our concept is different. Pacaembu will be a multi-arena complex.
“In addition to the stadium, we will have a large events and convention centre, one of the largest esports arenas on the planet, a multi-sports academy, a tennis centre and an Olympic swimming pool, with a capacity of 1,500 to 25,000 seats.”
Image: Allegra Pacaembu
