Good news for São Paulo residents: the famous Pacaembu swimming pool, which was a must-see on summer days, will continue to be free after the stadium‘s reopening.
The Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, as it was recently named, has been closed since 2020 and under renovation since 2021. Until then run by the city, the venue is now managed by Allegra Pacaembu, a private company that will have the concession for 35 years.
The change in management has cast doubt on the future of the Pacaembu multi-sports complex, which used to offer free leisure for local residents. Here’s a look at what’s still free and what will be paid for at the New Pacaembu.
Pacaembu swimming pool will be free of charge
The New Pacaembu concession notice stated that the company responsible should keep the pool open free of charge for four hours a week for guided activity and five hours a day for non-guided activity.
Allegra Pacaembu said, however, that it will keep the Pacaembu pool free throughout the concession period, just as it was before the renovation. The difference is that access will no longer be by card, but by registering on a dedicated app.
There is still no date for the reopening of the complex, but the company has assured that the opening hours will be the same as before the concession. Thus, the Pacaembu pool will be available from 8am to 6pm, free of charge.
Another novelty is the official athletics track, built next to the walking track. It will also be free of charge, from 6am to 10pm, except when there are events on site. In addition, the small multi-sports court will be free and open to the public.
Other sports facilities will only be available for a fee. For example, two tennis courts, indoor and outdoor, and a multi-sports gym. The spaces will be available for booking via the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu app, which is not yet available for download.
Learn about the history of the Pacaembu Stadium
Construction of the Paulo Machado de Carvalho Municipal Stadium, better known as Pacaembu, began in 1936. At the time, the City Council was carrying out the project as a way of aligning itself with then-president Getúlio Vargas’ initiative to support sports.
The inauguration took place later in 1940. Around 50,000 people were in the stands of the then largest and most modern stadium in South America. Since then, the venue has hosted World Cup matches and become home to the Football Museum, which tells the story of the sport.
After almost four years of renovations, the venue will be available to São Paulo residents once again! One of the biggest changes has been the demolition of the Toboggan, which will be used as a hotel to host clubs during the pre-season. In addition, there will now be fixed toilets instead of chemical ones, as well as a boulevard for bars, stores and other services.
