Palmeiras fans offered free entry to top-of-the-table clash, with a catch

Palmeiras returned to an innovative means of retaining the largest possible capacity at Allianz Parque amid infrastructure in place for a concert at the stadium, as the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A football club suffered a potentially significant blow in its attempts to claim the league title.

With a Roberto Carlos concert taking place at Allianz Parque today (Wednesday), Palmeiras staged its top-of-the-table clash against Botafogo yesterday with the stage for the event in place at the Gol Norte end of the stadium.

Due to the installation of the stage, the Gol Norte stand had reduced capacity for yesterday’s match. However, in order to count on the support of the largest possible number of Palmeiras fans in yet another decisive game, the club offered a special experience to members.

Having made a similar move for the 2022 Campeonato Paulista final (pictured below) and the Série A game against Fortaleza in the same year, Palmeiras elected to erect a big screen on the back of the Gol Norte stage.

This meant that fans could watch the game in the stadium, albeit with a severely restricted view of the on-pitch action, with the big screen broadcasting the game, without commentary, so that supporters could instead take in the stadium atmosphere.

This experience was provided for free for Palmeiras members, but it was ultimately a disappointing one as Botafogo claimed a 3-1 win to replace the home team at the top of the table. With two rounds of games to go, there is now a three-point gap between the two clubs. Allianz Parque has a capacity of around 43,700 for football games, with yesterday’s game drawing an attendance of 31,753 paying spectators.

Palmeiras last month announced an agreement to end a long-running dispute with Real Arenas, operator of Allianz Parque.

Partners for 10 years, the two sides had been at loggerheads for a number of years, chiefly over payments the São Paulo club was owed through their agreement. Under the terms of the contract, Palmeiras is entitled to monthly percentages of revenue generated from the rental of the stadium for events, the usage of various areas of the stadium and the naming rights deal with Allianz.

Palmeiras said a “broad agreement” had been reached that put an end to disputes in arbitration and judicial forums and “opens new perspectives for an even more professional and victorious partnership for the benefit of Palmeiras fans”. The club said both parties made concessions, as well as commercial and operational adjustments.