Allianz Parque
Allianz Parque
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Allianz Parque (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈaliɐ̃s ˈpaʁki] ), also known as Arena Palmeiras or as Arena Palestra Itália, is a football stadium in Água Branca, São Paulo, Brazil, and the home of Palmeiras. The stadium also serves as a multipurpose arena, and was built to receive concerts and other events besides football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 43,713 spectators for football, and of 55,000 for concerts. At the time of its opening, the stadium had one of the most modern multipurpose spaces in the whole country. The stadium meets all of FIFA's standards, accrediting it to receive the most relevant sports tournaments.

Key Information

Its construction started in 2010 under the authorship of Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira, and completed in November 2014. The stadium was built by the company WTorre Properties/Arenas, belonging to WTorre Group. The stadium is located on the site previously occupied by Palestra Itália Stadium, also popularly known as Parque Antárctica, Palmeiras's former home ground.

Location

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The stadium is located in the Água Branca neighborhood, within the Barra Funda district, but sits in an intersection region between the neighbourhoods of Água Branca (where it is properly located), Barra Funda, Pompeia and Perdizes, in the west zone of the city of São Paulo. Near the stadium, there is the Palmeiras–Barra Funda Metro Station at 1.5 km of distance, the Água Branca Metropolitan Train Station and several bus lines, totaling 50 different routes.

A parking lot with a capacity for 2,000 cars is adjacent to the stadium and there are 4,800 parking spaces in two nearby malls. The complex is situated only 4 km from Paulista Avenue and 5 km from Central Zone of São Paulo.

History

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Background

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Agreement

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Demolition works on the former Palestra Italia stadium for the construction of the Allianz Parque, in February 2011

The transformation of the former Palestra Italia Stadium in arena is the result of an agreement signed between Palmeiras and the company WTorre Properties/Arenas, belonging to WTorre Group. WTorre will manage the site for 30 years, and Palmeiras will profit 100% with the ticket sales at football matches.

According to the agreement between Palmeiras and WTorre, all expenses for the use of the arena, such as water, electricity, security, cleaning, insurance, lawn maintenance, shall be borne by the entrepreneur.

WTorre will hire a specialized company to manage the complex, passing onto Palmeiras an increasing percentage of the revenue with sponsorships, box seats and shows amongst others, starting on the first day of the complex's operation. At the end of this 30-year period, Palmeiras will integrate the whole enterprise, putting an end to the deal with company.[6]

Partnerships

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External view of Allianz Parque behind the tennis courts of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras

On September 30, 2009, WTorre completed the partnership with Traffic Group for marketing properties of the arena, such as the naming rights, cabins, special chairs, restaurants, cafés and shops, among others. The sports media company will market the spaces used in sporting, musical, social and corporate events.[7][8]

On October 6, 2011, Palmeiras and WTorre announced the agreement with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG),[9] to manage events in the arena. In turn, AEG made a partnership with Blue Box Company, that will provide consulting services to the US company of the best services in the Brazilian territory.[10]

On April 24, 2013, WTorre announced the naming rights agreement with the Allianz company, which holds the rights to name six other sporting arenas: the Allianz Arena in Germany, the Allianz Stadium in Australia; Allianz Park in England; Allianz Riviera, in France; Allianz Stadion, in Austria and Allianz Field, in the United States. The agreement with the insurance company is valid for 20 years, with an option to renew for another 10 at the end of the period. The deal is estimated at R$300 million.[11]

On April 29, 2013, Allianz announced three name options for the arena: Allianz Parque, Allianz Center and Allianz 360º.[12] On June 6, 2013, with 89% of over 620 thousand votes registered on the official website of the enterprise, the name "Allianz Parque" was announced. The other two options had 7% and 4% of the votes, respectively.

On March 13, 2014, WTorre and AEG announced the agreement with the Gourmet Sports Hospitality company, belonging to Kofler & Kompanie (K&K) Group, from Germany. The agreement provides chef services on game days and buffets for corporate events, conferences, concerts and other events that occur on site. In the stadium there is a central kitchen of 1,500 m2 and ten support kitchens, three lounges and 46 cafeterias and kiosks to serve the public on game days and corporate events. Up to 500 people can work in these places in a day with maximum capacity. The company was also responsible for serving the public during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in Germany, 2010 FIFA World Cup, in South Africa, 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, in Brazil, 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and some stages of Formula One. The company's contract with WTorre is valid for 20 years.

The first official game at Allianz Parque was held on November 19, 2014, between Palmeiras and Sport Recife in the Brazilian Série A, when hosts Palmeiras lost to Sport Recife 0–2.

International friendly match between Palmeiras and Shandong Luneng at Allianz Parque, January 2015

WTorre announced a partnership with Works Brazil Agency, a Works UK subsidiary, to perform the visual brand identity of the arena. In partnership with Allianz, the arena branding project was developed from its main logo. All communication elements associated with the brand "Allianz Parque", including banners, signboards, tickets, merchandising and other applications, were prepared for print and digital content. Similar projects have been developed by the company for corporations, national and international associations and international sports federations, such as IAAF, FIFA, FIVB, FIBA, FIH and NBA.[13]

To organize events, from small conferences to large concerts, AEG hired Susan Darrington, former vice-president of the CenturyLink Field, largest stadium in Seattle, home field for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC, for the position of general manager of the arena. Darrington will have primary responsibility for raising revenue for the Allianz Parque, with the initial goal of attracting about 300 events per year.[14]

In 2019, Allianz partnered with sanctioned Chinese state-owned video surveillance company Dahua Technology.[15]

Statistics

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Reception

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Palmeiras matches

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Biggest attendances

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Attendance Home Team Score Visiting Team Date Competition
1 41,468 Palmeiras 0–2 Corinthians August 6, 2025 2025 Copa do Brasil
2 41,457 Palmeiras 2–1 Corinthians April 29, 2023 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
3 41,451 Palmeiras 1–2 São Paulo July 13, 2023 2023 Copa do Brasil
4 41,446 Palmeiras 2–0 Santos April 7, 2024 2024 Campeonato Paulista
5 41,444 Palmeiras 4–0 Água Santa April 9, 2023 2023 Campeonato Paulista

Biggest grosses

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Gross Home Team Score Visiting Team Date Competition
1 R$15.118.391,02 Brazil Brazil 3–0 Chile Chile October 10, 2017 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 R$6.737.030,00 Brazil Brazil 2–0 Mexico Mexico June 7, 2015 International friendly
3 R$5.717.077,40 Palmeiras 0–1 Corinthians March 16, 2025 2025 Campeonato Paulista
4 R$5.336.631,25 Palmeiras 2–1 (4-3 p) Santos December 2, 2015 2015 Copa do Brasil
5 R$5.263.294,60 Palmeiras 1–0 São Paulo March 10, 2025 2025 Campeonato Paulista
Average Série A attendances
Season Stadium capacity Average attendance % of capacity Ranking within SA
2019 43,713 27,962 64.0% 5th highest
2018 43,713 32,356 74.0% 3rd highest
2017 43,713 33,476 76.6% 2nd highest
2016 43,713 32,471 74.3% 1st highest
2015 43,713 29,633 67.8% 3rd highest
Panoramic view of Allianz Parque, in January 2015

International sporting events

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A view from the stands during the match between Brazil and Mexico in June 2015

On June 7, 2015, the Arena hosted a friendly between Brazil and Mexico in order to prepare for the 2015 Copa América. The event was promoted by AEG Brazil in partnership with the British sports marketing agency Pitch International. The game ended 2–0 to Brazil, with goals from Philippe Coutinho and Diego Tardelli.[16] It was the first game of the Brazilian team in the country since the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

On August 8, 2015, the arena hosted the final of the League of Legends Brazilian Tournament, a Riot Games event. The winner competed with teams from Latin America and CIS for a place in the League of Legends World Championship. About 12,000 people attended the event, which was held in the amphitheater of the arena.[17]

On October 10, 2017, the arena hosted a match between Brazil and Chile for 2018 World Cup qualification, ending 3–0 to Brazil. Already qualified for the competition in the first place among South American teams, Brazil eliminated Chile from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. It was the first official match between national football teams at the arena.[18]

Musical events

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Paul McCartney, first big event in the Arena

International

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The very first big event at the Arena was on November 25 and 26, 2014, when Paul McCartney performed and completed his tour Out There in Brazil. About 50,000 people attended both concerts. The hard rock band Guns N' Roses performed at the stadium during their Not in This Lifetime...Tour on November 4 and 5, 2016 for an audience of 93,600 people. Shakira performed there during her El Dorado World Tour on October 21, 2018. The South Korean group BTS performed at the stadium during their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself Tour on May 25 and 26, 2019, with a sold-out crowd of 84,728 people.

National

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The first national concert at the Arena was performed by singer Roberto Carlos, on April 18, 2015, in commemoration of his 74th birthday. Over 50,000 people attended the presentation.[19]

List of major concerts

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List of major concerts and musical events held at the Allianz Parque involving the full stadium and the amphitheater. Some concerts may have a different configuration, by using an increased amphitheater with the stage advancing a bit further into the pitch, and therefore, creating a greater space for the audience on the stands and on the pitch itself.

List of concert held at Allianz Parque, showing date, artist name, tour name, attendance and type of configuration
Date Main act(s) Tour / Concert name Attendance Type
November 25, 2014 Paul McCartney Out There! Tour Full stadium[20]
November 26, 2014
April 18, 2015 Roberto Carlos 74º Aniversário Full stadium[19]
September 19, 2015 Rod Stewart The Hits Half stadium[21]
September 25, 2015 Katy Perry The Prismatic World Tour 35,564 Full stadium[22]
October 24, 2015 Muse Drones World Tour Full stadium[23]
October 25, 2015 Ariana Grande The Honeymoon Tour Half stadium[24]
December 11, 2015 David Gilmour Rattle That Lock Tour 84,526 Full stadium[25]
December 12, 2015
March 17, 2016 Maroon 5 Maroon V Tour 91,528 Full stadium[26]
March 19, 2016
March 26, 2016 Iron Maiden The Book of Souls World Tour Full stadium[27]
April 7, 2016 Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams Tour 46,563 Full stadium[28]
June 4, 2016 Eros Ramazzotti Perfetto World Tour Amphitheater[29]
September 11, 2016 Wesley Safadão, Luan Santana, Simone & Simaria, Matheus & Kauan, Israel Novaes, Humberto & Ronaldo, Bruno & Marrone and Alok Villa Mix Festival Full stadium[30]
October 12, 2016 Andrea Bocelli Cinema World Tour Full stadium[31]
October 13, 2016
October 15, 2016 Aerosmith Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour Full stadium[32]
November 11, 2016 Guns N' Roses Not in This Lifetime... Tour 93,600 Full stadium
November 12, 2016
December 10, 2016 Demi Lovato, Cheat Codes, Tiago Iorc, Projota, Anitta, Larissa Manoela and Manu Gavassi Z Festival Full stadium[33]
April 1, 2017 Justin Bieber Purpose World Tour 88,273 Full stadium[34]
April 2, 2017
April 6, 2017 Elton John and James Taylor Wonderful Crazy Night Tour 45,774 Full stadium[35]
May 5, 2017 Sting 57th & 9th Tour 13,533 Half stadium[36]
May 28, 2017 Ed Sheeran ÷ Tour 37,075 Full stadium[37]
July 1, 2017 Ariana Grande Dangerous Woman Tour 24,717 Half stadium[38]
September 21, 2017 The Who, The Cult and Alter Bridge São Paulo Trip Festival 155,125 Full stadium[39]
September 23, 2017 Bon Jovi and The Kills
September 24, 2017 Aerosmith and Def Leppard
September 26, 2017 Guns N' Roses and Alice Cooper
October 15, 2017 Paul McCartney One on One Tour 46,070 Full stadium[40]
October 18, 2017 John Mayer The Search for Everything World Tour 32,393 Full stadium[41]
November 7, 2017 Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams Tour 96,549 Full stadium[42]
November 8, 2017
December 13, 2017 Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd Solid Rock Festival 19,402 Full stadium[43]
February 24, 2018 Phil Collins Not Dead Yet Tour 82,662 Full stadium
February 25, 2018
February 27, 2018 Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age Concrete and Gold Tour Full stadium
March 17, 2018 Katy Perry Witness: The Tour 37,284 Full stadium
March 27, 2018 Depeche Mode Global Spirit Tour 24,180 Full stadium[44]
May 13, 2018 Ozzy Osbourne No More Tours II Full stadium[45]
September 29, 2018 Andrea Bocelli Full stadium[45]
August 18, 2018 Tribalistas Tribalistas Tour Full stadium
October 9, 2018 Roger Waters Us + Them Tour 81,545 Full stadium[46]
October 10, 2018
October 21, 2018 Shakira El Dorado World Tour 44,084 Full stadium[45]
November 24, 2018 Jorge Ben Jor Salve Simpatia Amphitheater
December 8, 2018 Ivete Sangalo Full stadium[45]
February 13, 2019 Ed Sheeran ÷ Tour 81,156 Full stadium
February 14, 2019
March 26, 2019 Paul McCartney Freshen Up 90,384[47] Full stadium
March 27, 2019
May 18, 2019 Los Hermanos Full stadium[45]
May 25, 2019 BTS BTS World Tour Love Yourself: Speak Yourself 84,728[48] Full stadium[49]
May 26, 2019
August 24, 2019 Sandy & Junior Nossa História 189,687 Full stadium[50]
August 25, 2019
October 12, 2019
October 13, 2019
November 29, 2019 Shawn Mendes Shawn Mendes: The Tour 33,569 Full stadium
March 1, 2020 Maroon 5 2020 Tour 45,467 Full stadium
April 30, 2022 Kiss End of the Road World Tour Full stadium
September 24, 2022 Guns N' Roses We're F'N' Back! Tour 45,032 Full stadium
October 1, 2022 Rockin' 1000 Rockin' 1000 rocks Brazil - The Biggest Rock Band on Earth Full stadium
November 6, 2022 Michael Bublé An Evening with Michael Bublé TBA
November 12, 2022 Fresno Vou Ter Que Me Virar Tour Full stadium
The Band Camino The Tour Camino
Hot Chip Freakout/Release
Twenty One Pilots The Icy Tour
The Killers Imploding the Mirage Tour
December 6, 2022 Harry Styles Love on Tour 137,009 Full stadium
December 13, 2022
December 14, 2022
January 27, 2023 Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour Full stadium
January 28, 2023
February 28, 2023 Imagine Dragons Mercury World Tour Full stadium
March 7, 2023 Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe The World Tour Full stadium
April 22, 2023 Kiss,

Scorpions, Deep Purple, Helloween, Saxon, Symphony X and Doro

Monsters of Rock Full stadium
May 5, 2023 Alicia Keys Alicia + Keys World Tour Half stadium
June 16, 2023 Titãs Titãs Encontro Full stadium
June 27, 2023
August 26, 2023 Ateez The Fellowship: Break The Wall Half stadium
September 30, 2023 Rod Stewart and Ivete Sangalo Legends in Concert Half stadium
October 10, 2023 The Weeknd After Hours til Dawn Tour 97,892 Full stadium
October 11, 2023
October 21, 2023 Evanescence South American Tour 2023 Half stadium
November 4, 2023 Halsey,

Swedish House Mafia, Machine Gun Kelly and Jxdn

GPWeek Festival Full stadium
November 5, 2023 Kendrick Lamar,

Thundercat and Sofi Tukker

November 11, 2023 Roger Waters This Is Not a Drill Full stadium
November 12, 2023
November 14, 2023 Alanis Morissette 2023 World Tour Full stadium
November 16, 2023 RBD Soy Rebelde Tour 191,000 Full stadium
November 17, 2023
November 18, 2023
November 19, 2023
November 24, 2023 Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Full stadium
November 25, 2023
November 26, 2023
December 7, 2023 Paul McCartney Got Back Full stadium
December 9, 2023
December 10, 2023
December 23, 2023 Titãs Encontro pra Dizer Adeus Full stadium
January 20, 2024 Jão Superturnê Full stadium
January 21, 2024
February 6, 2024 TWICE Ready to Be World Tour 65,985 / 65,985 Full stadium
February 7, 2024
March 23, 2024 Luis Miguel Luis Miguel Tour 2023–24 Full stadium
May 16, 2024 Louis Tomlinson Faith In The Future World Tour Half stadium
July 13, 2024 Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Wyclef Jean Chic Show Half stadium
September 11, 2024 Travis Scott Circus Maximus Tour 42,200 / 44,313 Full stadium
September 20, 2024 Mariah Carey The Celebration of Mimi 52,000 Full stadium
October 15, 2024 Paul McCartney Got Back Full stadium
October 16, 2024
November 15, 2024 Linkin Park From Zero World Tour 96,900 / 96,900 Full stadium
November 16, 2024
November 30, 2024 Bring Me The Horizon NX GN WRLD Tour 46,000 Full stadium
December 6, 2024 Iron Maiden The Future Past World Tour 120,000 Full stadium
December 7, 2024
January 26, 2025 Twenty One Pilots The Clancy World Tour 55,000 Full stadium
September 30, 2025 Kendrick Lamar Grand National Tour Full stadium
May 3, 2025 Kuzey Angel of Tears World Tour Full stadium
May 4, 2025
May 5, 2025
December 20, 2025 Limp Bizkit, Yungblud, 311, Ecca Vandal, Riff Raff, Slay Squad Loserville Tour Full stadium
February 5, 2026 My Chemical Romance, The Hives Full stadium
February 20, 2026 Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour Full stadium
February 21, 2026

Other musical concerts

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On May 16, 2015, the arena hosted the edition of the "Arena Simpatia" event, with the presentation of the carioca band Samba de Santa Clara. The show also counted on the participation of the M.O.N. with Mario Velloso and Pietra Bertolazzi, The Juns, Jun Honda & Caio Ogura, besides the DJs Emiliano Beyrute, Gigga and Dre Guazelli.[51]

On June 26, 2015, the arena hosted the event "Fextinha", 12 hours of open air non-stop music promoted by New Fun agency. With a capacity of up to 3,000 people, the party was led by DJs Make U Sweat, formed by Pedro Almeida, Dudu Linhares and Gustavo Guizeline, the Jetlag, with Thiago Mansur and Paulo Velloso, the duet M.O.N., with Mario Velloso and Pietra Bertolazzi, The Juns, with Jun Honda & Caio Jun, the Az Project of Ivan Arcuschin and Gabriel Salvia and also Emiliano Beyruthe and Marina Diniz.[52]

On December 20, 2015, the Arena hosted the "All Colors Festival" for celebrating the 125 years of Allianz company. The festival featured various musical acts from 1 p.m. to 22 p.m., and part of the funds collected was donated to Instituto Ayrton Senna and Allianz Group's Employees' Benevolent Association (ABA).[53]

Other events

[edit]
Build Tour São Paulo, May 2015

On December 18, 2014, the arena hosted the UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway official training session, opened for fans and media and sponsored by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In addition, Brazilian athletes Renan Barão, Antônio Carlos Júnior, Erick Silva and Elias Silverio attended the training, beyond the Canadian fighter Mitch Gagnon.[54]

On January 25, 2015, just before the friendly match between Palmeiras and Red Bull Brasil, which Palmeiras won by 3–2, the arena hosted a freestyle motocross (FMX) show, a freestyle football presentation and a paraglider landing on the grass, among other actions promoted by both clubs. The Palmeiras former players Evair, Ademir da Guia and Rosemiro attended the event.[55] After these presentations, there was the exhibition game in celebration of the 100 years since Palmeiras played their historical first game ever, when Palestra Italia (changed to Palmeiras after WWII) played against Sport Club Savoia on January 24, 1915, winning 2:0 and their first title, Savoia Cup.[56]

Accreditation site at Microsoft Build Tour in May 2015

On March 28, 2015, the arena hosted a friendly farewell match in honor of the former attacking midfielder Alex, who had a winning history at Palmeiras between the 1997 and 2000 seasons. With the presence of several players and club idols, the Palmeiras champion team, winner of the 1999 Copa Libertadores, won "Friends of Alex" by 5–3 with two goals from Alex.[57]

On May 21, 2015, the arena hosted the Build Tour São Paulo, Brazilian stage of the annual Microsoft conference for developers of all Windows platforms. Among the speakers figured Pete Brown, Jeff Burtoft, Wael Rabadi and Matt Velloso, who presented details of Windows 10 development platform.[58]

The 3rd Stadiums and Arenas Management Forum was held at the Arena on October 20, 2015. Organized by the companies Arenaplan Consulting and Brasil Sports Market, the meeting discussed the challenges and management strategies for small and large stadiums in Brazil. With a legacy of at least 14 new arenas after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the management of these venues becomes an important goal to strive toward.

General features

[edit]
First game during the inauguration of Allianz Parque, November 2014

Allianz Parque has 43,713 covered seats, being 25,395 lower seats, 14,888 upper seats and 3,430 in the cabins.[3] There are 188 private boxes from 12 to 21 seats,[59] a panoramic restaurant, cafes, shops, convention center with modular structure for up to 1,500 visitors, media center for up to 1,000 media members, a multimedia memorial space with the history of the club and an adjacent covered parking for up to 2,000 cars, with exclusive spaces for motorcycles and bike rack. Multiple events such as shows and concerts, can receive up to 55,000 spectators.

Aiming to facilitate the goers movement, as well as cleaning the bleachers, chairs are not fixed to the floor, but on metal rails, the same model used in Wembley Stadium. In some sectors, the seats and backrests are upholstered with or without arms. The chairs are composed of three shades of green, giving rise to a geometric design inspired by arecaceae leaves.

The changing rooms have similar dimensions: a 355 m2 room to the home team, and a 270 m2 to the visiting team. The biggest has wooden cabinet with identification of athletes and a "community" cabinet to hold large numbers of objects. In the bathrooms there are two hot tubs and an individual one, for immersion.[60]

View from the upper deck of Allianz Parque in December 2014

The Allianz Parque complex comes with a Multisport Building, erected where once was located the old gym club. The new building has about 10 thousand square meters, spread over 4 floors and is served by three elevators. Downstairs, there is a gymnasium with seating for approximately 1,500 fans built to host basketball, futsal and volleyball games. Two intermediate floors with about 2 thousand square meters each other were designed to receive multisport activities. On the rooftop, there is a synthetic grass pitch for football practice, with an area of almost 2,000 meters to over 48 meters high. An unprecedented architectural solution in Brazil allows the visitors to enjoy the outside scenery, good ventilation and much natural light.

There is also a Multipurpose Building, designed based on the architectural concept developed by architect Tomás Taveira. It has approximately 13 thousand m2, spread over six floors plus ground floor. The building offers 8 changing rooms, 12 toilets and 6 elevators. The building facilities are for the use of club management, besides the indoor sports like judo and gymnastics; there is even a noble space on the top floor, which offers panoramic views of the club and the region.

The attractions of Allianz Parque are open to the general public. Access to club facilities, however, remains restricted to members of the Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.

Implementations

[edit]
Allianz Parque coverage details, November 2014

On March 12, 2013, WTorre announced the acquisition of 64 high definition security cameras. The equipment, valued at R$15 million, is capable of performing face recognition of all visitors. The technology, which is used in high-traffic venues, such as airports in Europe and US, is able to immediately identify non-standard behaviors, i.e., fights and vandalism acts. The security software can archive images of faces to compare them later, even people using caps and goggles.[61]

In early 2014, the WTorre announced the acquisition of two high-definition video screens to be installed inside the stadium. With costs estimated at R$7 million, the equipment has a 13.44 m × 7.68 m (44.1 ft × 25.2 ft) format, each with more than 103 square metres (1,110 sq ft) area. The screens are installed at the ends of lawns, behind the goals, enabling the display of any content without the need for adaptation. The models feature white LED structure and shun conventional standards, with a resolution (16 mm) 20% higher compared to others. Thus, in all the seats of the stadium there is a good view of the images.

A solution developed by architect Edo Rocha, responsible for the arena project, was to coat the entire facade with drilled stainless steel that causes an optical art effect,[62] with hollow spaces that resemble a wicker basket.[63] The use of stainless steel ensures the best use of natural ventilation and lighting, in addition to functioning as a passive solar control element in order to moderate the temperature in the environment. The material is highly durable, low maintenance and cleaning, because it is washed in the rain.[64] Furthermore, the use of that material aims to make outdoor advertising and serves to impact both visitors and pedestrians.

Facade coated with drilled stainless steel

The arena roof is fully integrated into the facade, i.e., without the pillars, increasing the space for visitors. There are 33 meters vertically between the floor and the ceiling of the stadium, which protects 100% of the bleachers. Developed by Usiminas, a tubular metal frame and zipped thermo tiles provide the most pleasant sensations to the public, reducing the temperature by 2 °C between the level of the field and the upper seats and also the outside noises of the streets.

Around the playing field was installed a transparent polycarbonate cover to allow the maximum amount of sunlight to reach the ground. The Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and the Etihad Stadium in Manchester are some of the few in the world that use this technology.

Regarding environmental issues, the Allianz Parque has a system to capture rainwater that falls on the roof of the stadium, which has 23 thousand square meters. Thus, the collected water can be reused in different sectors of the arena, preventing stormwater is overloaded.

Accessibility

[edit]

According to the builder, in the arena there are 889 spaces for wheelchair users, 778 seats for the handicapped, 122 seats for obese, 63 accessible bathrooms distributed in all sectors: lower and upper stands and cabins. Furthermore, there are 15 elevators, 26 escalators, ramps and special box office. In the parking lot, there are forty-nine vacancies for people with special needs (PSN) located near to the elevators and 78 places for the elderly. Thus, the adjustments exceed the recommendations of the Brazilian standard and also FIFA.

In June 2017, the arena was the first in Brazil to be qualified by its architectural accessibility, receiving the "Selo guiaderodas" award, which evaluates premises and services for people with mobility issues. The qualification was based in analyses by specialized architects, practical tests by people with mobility issues and capacitation training for the staff of the stadium and the club.[65][66][67]

Visibility

[edit]
Allianz Parque in December 2014

The Allianz Parque has received much praise from the world's media, such as the Spanish site Elgoldigital.com, which considered it the most spectacular arena in the world,[68] and the site Goal.com by Italian version, which defined it as the new contemporary architectural jewel of São Paulo.[69]

On February 19, 2015, the Allianz Parque was named by popular vote the Stadium of The Year 2014.[70] The leading competition was organized by Stadiony.net and StadiumDB.com, two websites dedicated to sports stadia. The competition was for venues opened in 2014, with Palmeiras stadium among 32 entries worldwide. Between January 17 and February 17, 2015, Allianz Parque got about 34,000 votes and 134,725 points. San Mamés Barria, in Spain, and Otkritie Arena, in Russia, have had 96,712 and 89,518 points each one and figured on second and third place, respectively. The renovated century-old Palestra Italia competed with seven other Brazilian arenas: Arena Corinthians, Arena da Amazônia, Arena da Baixada, Arena das Dunas, Arena Pantanal, Beira Rio and Estádio Kléber Andrade.[71]

Allianz Parque was occupying one of three top spots nearly all the time, from day one. And that result was achieved without any campaign to support it. In fact, it wasn't until the last few days that the stadium itself promoted the vote via one Facebook post. A magnificent sign of support from Palmeiras supporters and not only them. The stadium also received significant number of points from voters in Europe and beyond. The final number of points is stunning: 134,725 is more than all previous winners received combined (!!!). You might think one of the World Cup stadiums might grab first place. Well, not this time![72]

— Statement released by the English site "Stadium DataBase"

[edit]

To celebrate the opening of Allianz Parque, Allianz launched in December 2014 the mini-game Allianz Goal for Xbox Live, an online gaming service of Microsoft's Xbox consoles. The game content, designed in partnership with Ogilvy & Mather, a WPP company,[73] aims to make football fans, especially young people, experience the brand of the Arena and interact with photos and information about this and five other arenas sponsored by Allianz around the world.[74]

Awards

[edit]
Allianz Parque facade, February 2015

On September 3, 2014, the architectural design of the arena received the Master Award at the 11th edition of the Grand Prix of Corporate Architecture, considered one of the most important architecture awards in Latin America. The arena also received the Sports Spotlight Award, category "Completed Work". The award was based on two evaluation criteria: architectural quality and benefits of the project for the region, noting various sectors of activity, such as health, education, sports, hotels, offices, etc.[75]

On November 12, 2014, the construction of the arena was awarded in the category "Environmental Management at Works" at the 3rd Seconci Award for Occupational Safety and Health, organized by the São Paulo State Civil Construction Social Services (SECONCI-SP). Among the environmental management system implemented by the construction company, there were a waste management plan, erosion prevention measures, soil and water pollution control, water reuse and engineering control of noise levels. About 90% of all waste was reused or recycled, with 16 thousand cubic meters used in the work itself. The Palestra Italia stadium's old grass field was donated to the Mayor of the City of São Paulo to be reused in a town square.[76][77]

Allianz Parque Tour

[edit]

On March 18, 2015, was inaugurated the "Allianz Parque Tour", which offers a guide service to the public with a trained Arena guide.[78] In partnership with Futebol Tour company, the service offers a narrative journey through exclusive areas of the stadium, such as press boxes, cabins, convention center, press conference area, dressing rooms and field of play. The tour is available from Wednesday to Sunday (except on game days, other events or holidays) and lasts approximately one hour.[79]

Controversies

[edit]

Delays in opening

[edit]

Initially planned to be opened in late 2012, the Allianz Parque has suffered from delays due to bureaucracy and construction challenges.[80] The first deadline for finalizing the works was in the first half of 2013, then for the second half of that year, for February of the following year, and finally for the second half of 2014, when the works were completed.[81]

Incidents and alleged irregularities

[edit]

In April 2013, the collapse of three beams in the Arena works left one person dead and another injured. The collapse happened where the new grandstand was built on the old structure of the Palestra Italia Stadium.[82]

The collapse occurred at the same time in which the prosecution attempted to impound the works. The prosecutors questioned, besides the environmental degradation and traffic impacts, if the work was a renovation or a new construction, because the permit Palmeiras had since 2002 was for renovation, not demolition. It was precisely for this reason that the grandstands were not demolished, the same local where the worker died in 2013.[83]

Discussion between Palmeiras and WTorre

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In February 2014, Palmeiras attempted to resolve an impasse with WTorre at the FGV Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration. The main cause of disagreement between the club and the company is the division of seats in the Allianz Parque. WTorre claims to have the right to sell 100% of the seats, while Palmeiras claims that the contract set a maximum number of ten thousand seats to be sold by the builder. However, there is no discussion as to the amounts to be collected from the box office, which are 100% of the club, but today the marketing impasse to sell the seats is still being discussed.[84]

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Allianz Parque is a multi-purpose stadium in the Água Branca district of São Paulo, Brazil, serving as the primary home venue for the football club Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.[1] Opened on November 19, 2014, it replaced the club's historic Estádio Palestra Itália and features a capacity of 43,713 seats for football matches, expanding to 55,000 for concerts and other events through field utilization.[1] Operated by Palmeiras under a 30-year agreement with developer WTorre that is scheduled to expire in 2044, who fully funded its R$630 million construction starting in 2010, after which Palmeiras will assume full administration and exclusive control of the arena starting in 2045; the arena held naming rights from insurer Allianz from 2013 until early termination in April 2026, when WTorre signed a new naming rights agreement with digital bank Nubank valid until 2044, with the stadium's new name to be chosen by supporters via online voting. It is distinguished by its modern, versatile design accommodating sports, music, and corporate functions.[1] [2] ![Exterior view of Allianz Parque][center] Designed by Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira, Allianz Parque incorporates advanced engineering such as modular seating and enhanced acoustics, positioning it as one of Latin America's leading multi-use venues.[3] Its inauguration aligned with Palmeiras' return to the Brazilian top flight, facilitating key club achievements including multiple national titles, while also hosting high-profile international concerts—such as Paul McCartney's opening event—and enabling revenue diversification beyond football.[4] No major structural controversies have marked its operation, though its high event throughput has occasionally strained local access amid São Paulo's urban density.[1]

Site and Location

Geographical Details

Allianz Parque is situated in the Água Branca neighborhood of São Paulo, Brazil, at Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705, postal code 05001-200.[5] This places the stadium in the northwestern quadrant of the city, approximately 4 kilometers northeast of downtown São Paulo and 5 kilometers north of the upscale Jardins district.[6] The venue's geographic coordinates are 23°31′23″S 46°40′25″W.[7] The surrounding area includes adjacent neighborhoods such as Perdizes and Barra Funda, contributing to its urban integration within one of the world's largest metropolitan regions.[8] Proximity to the Palmeiras-Barra Funda intermodal station provides direct access via São Paulo Metro Line 2-Green and CPTM commuter rail lines, enhancing connectivity for spectators from across the city and suburbs.[9] The site occupies former grounds of the Parque Antártica, redeveloped into a modern multipurpose facility amid São Paulo's dense built environment.[6]

Historical Context of the Site

The site occupied by Allianz Parque in São Paulo's Perdizes neighborhood originated as part of Parque Antártica, a recreational complex established by Companhia Antarctica Paulista in 1902 adjacent to its brewery facilities. This 300,000-square-meter area functioned primarily as a public leisure space, incorporating wooded sections, artificial lakes, restaurants, and athletic grounds that included an initial football pitch, reflecting early 20th-century industrial efforts to provide employee and community amenities.[10] [11] By 1917, the nascent Sociedade Esportiva Palestra Itália—founded by Italian immigrants and later renamed Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras—adopted the site's football field for its matches, marking the transition from casual recreation to organized sporting use amid São Paulo's growing football culture.[12] [13] As the brewery planned relocation to the Mooca district, Companhia Antarctica sold the core stadium area and substantial surrounding terrain to Palestra Itália in 1920 for 500 contos de réis—equivalent to a significant sum at the time—with payment structured as half in cash and the balance via installments over five years, securing the club's long-term foothold. This acquisition encompassed roughly 80% of the original park lands, preserving the site's multi-use character while prioritizing football infrastructure.[12] [14] [15] Subsequent expansions began with a foundational stone laid on March 10, 1929, culminating in the formal opening of Estádio Palestra Itália—commonly referred to as Parque Antártica—on August 13, 1933, after phased constructions that elevated capacity and facilities to support professional matches. The venue endured as Palmeiras' home until 2010, embodying the site's evolution from brewery-adjacent parkland to a cornerstone of Brazilian football heritage before demolition facilitated the contemporary arena's development.[12] [16]

Development History

Pre-Construction Planning

The pre-construction planning for Allianz Parque originated from Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras' need to upgrade its outdated Estádio Palestra Itália, which had been in use since 1933 and lacked modern facilities for large-scale events. In December 2007, club officials projected the initiation of works on a comprehensive arena project within 120 days, aiming for completion by 2010 to enhance capacity and infrastructure while preserving the site's historical significance in the Perdizes neighborhood of São Paulo. This initiative involved early discussions on transforming the venue into a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting football matches, concerts, and other spectacles, with an emphasis on revenue-generating features like premium seating and commercial spaces.[17] Central to the planning was a partnership with WTorre Properties, a real estate developer experienced in large-scale urban projects, which agreed to finance and execute the construction in exchange for operational rights and development opportunities around the site. Negotiations with WTorre culminated in the Deliberative Council's approval of the stadium reform on June 30, 2008, greenlighting a design for approximately 45,000 seats through partial demolition of existing stands and integration of new structures. Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira was commissioned to lead the design phase, focusing on a modular, adaptable layout that prioritized safety, acoustics, and event versatility, though initial concepts evolved from a full renovation to a near-total rebuild on the same footprint.[18] Planning efforts aligned with Brazil's preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, prompting considerations for FIFA-compliant standards such as improved access, broadcasting facilities, and crowd management, even though Allianz Parque was not selected as a host venue. By mid-2008, preliminary talks for naming rights emerged with Allianz SE, signaling commercial viability and potential sponsorship inflows to offset costs estimated in the hundreds of millions of reais. These phases involved feasibility studies, zoning approvals from São Paulo municipal authorities, and internal club debates on balancing tradition with modernization, setting the stage for groundbreaking in October 2010.

Financing and Partnerships

The construction of Allianz Parque was financed entirely through private investment by WTorre Properties, a subsidiary of the WTorre Group, without reliance on public funds.[19][20] The total estimated cost reached approximately R$660 million, positioning it as one of the most expensive privately funded stadiums in Brazilian football history.[21] The project originated as a partnership between Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras and WTorre, formalized to replace the club's aging Palestra Itália Stadium. Under the agreement, WTorre assumed responsibility for design, construction, and operational management of non-football events, while Palmeiras secured priority use for matches and related activities. Revenue from stadium operations is divided, with WTorre retaining the majority from concerts and other events in exchange for its investment, though disputes over payment calculations led to prolonged legal battles.[22][23] These tensions culminated in a October 2024 settlement, where WTorre paid Palmeiras R$50 million upfront as part of a R$117 million resolution, alleviating ongoing financial strains and clarifying usage rights for club areas.[24] A key financial partnership emerged through naming rights, secured by Allianz SE in April 2013 in what was then Brazil's largest such deal, valued at R$300 million over 20 years.[25][26] Negotiated directly with WTorre as the developer, the agreement provided upfront and ongoing revenue streams to offset construction costs, while granting Allianz branding exclusivity and aligning with the insurer's global stadium sponsorship portfolio.[27] This structure emphasized commercial viability, with extensions potentially available beyond the initial term.

Construction Process

The construction of Allianz Parque began in October 2010, led by the Brazilian firm WTorre Properties under a public-private partnership model that granted the company operational rights in exchange for funding and building the stadium on the site of the former Estádio Palestra Itália.[28][29] The project involved demolishing and rebuilding much of the outdated structure while preserving select historic arquibancadas from the 1930s-era venue to maintain cultural continuity.[30] Initial projections anticipated completion within 30 months, but the timeline extended due to logistical complexities, structural engineering demands, and legal disputes over land use and financing, culminating in a delay of approximately 1.5 years.[29][31] Civil works progressed through phased excavation, foundation piling with innovative estacas to support the elevated seating bowls, and erection of a reinforced concrete frame, followed by the assembly of a tensile membrane roof supported by steel trusses— a structure finalized by January 2014.[32][30] Significant innovations addressed urban density challenges in São Paulo, including the use of prefabricated steel components for rapid assembly and a facade clad in stainless steel panels—the largest such application in Brazil—which has exhibited zero corrosion after 10 years of exposure.[33] The total expenditure reached R$ 660 million, exceeding the original R$ 300 million budget by more than double amid material cost fluctuations and scope expansions for enhanced safety and acoustics.[34] Works concluded in November 2014, with final installations of electrical systems, LED lighting, and seating enabling handover to Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras for testing and inauguration preparations.[35][3]

Inauguration and Early Operations

The Allianz Parque was inaugurated on November 19, 2014, hosting its first official match between Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras and Sport Club do Recife as part of the Brazilian Série A.[36] [37] Palmeiras lost 0–2, with Ananias scoring the venue's first goal in the 25th minute, followed by Patric in the 72nd, before a crowd of over 35,000 spectators.[38] [39] This game marked Palmeiras' return to a permanent home after four years of nomadic play during the reconstruction of the original Palestra Itália Stadium on the same site.[40] In the immediate aftermath, the stadium hosted its inaugural concert on November 26, 2014, featuring Paul McCartney as part of his Out There! tour, drawing significant crowds and affirming its multi-purpose design.[41] Early operations in late 2014 focused on completing Palmeiras' Série A fixtures, with the team securing three wins and one draw in their remaining home games at the new venue, though they finished the season in 11th place.[37] The 2015 season represented the first full campaign at Allianz Parque, where Palmeiras played all domestic league and cup matches, achieving consistent attendance figures above 30,000 per game and contributing to the club's improved performance, including a fourth-place finish in Série A.[36] Operational aspects in the initial period highlighted efficient technical systems, such as retractable seating and pitch configurations, enabling seamless transitions between football and entertainment events without major disruptions reported.[42] The venue's early success in accommodating diverse programming underscored its role as a modern arena, generating revenue through ticket sales and sponsorships while serving as a hub for Palmeiras' fanbase.[43]

Design and Infrastructure

Architectural Features

Allianz Parque's architecture originated from an initial concept by Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira, with the final design executed by Edo Rocha Arquiteturas, emphasizing multipurpose functionality.[29][44] The stadium's exterior façade utilizes perforated stainless steel sheets and tubes, selected for superior heat reflection properties that mitigate solar gain in São Paulo's climate; this material has exhibited no corrosion after ten years of exposure since the 2014 opening.[45] The roof structure features a fixed corrugated polycarbonate canopy incorporating clear Suntuf panels, covering 7,000 square meters to provide partial weather protection while allowing natural light penetration.[44] Internally, the seating configuration comprises two tiers augmented by double-level balconies housing skyboxes, enabling reconfiguration for events; the northern curved stand can independently function as an amphitheater for smaller gatherings.[29] The primary structural system relies on precast concrete elements, supporting 45,000 covered seats alongside capacity for up to 12,000 additional open-air positions, which facilitates versatile event hosting without pillars obstructing sightlines.[19][28] This design integrates flexibility and user comfort, earning recognition for advancing stadium architecture in Latin America through seamless adaptation to sports and entertainment demands.[46]

Capacity and Configuration

Allianz Parque has a total seating capacity of 43,713 for association football matches, with all seats covered under a fixed roof structure supported by five towers featuring perforated metallic mesh cladding.[29] The seating arrangement comprises 25,395 seats in the lower tier, 14,888 in the upper tier, and 3,430 in private cabins.[3] This includes 178 corporate boxes capable of accommodating more than 3,000 spectators collectively during games.[47] The stadium employs a configuration of two regular tiers augmented by a double balcony incorporating skyboxes, ensuring close proximity and clear sightlines for football spectators across sections.[29] The northern curved stand offers adaptability, functioning as an amphitheater for reduced-capacity events or accommodating concert stages positioned to preserve the natural turf pitch.[29] For entertainment purposes such as concerts, the venue supports up to 50,000 attendees through expanded layouts that may include standing areas or reconfigured access.[48]

Technical Systems

The Allianz Parque employs a synthetic turf system designed for multi-use functionality, accommodating both football matches and concerts without frequent natural grass replacements. Installed around 2020, the Stadium System features sand-free rubber granules to minimize impact marks and enhance durability, certified by FIFA through annual inspections to meet international standards for elite competitions.[49][50][51] This setup supports the arena's event schedule, though it has drawn criticism from players preferring natural surfaces for playability.[52] Field lighting was upgraded in 2022 with 180 Philips ArenaVision LED projectors, replacing 274 metal halide fixtures, to deliver instant activation, uniform illumination compliant with CBF and UEFA standards, and a 73% reduction in energy and maintenance costs.[53][54] The Interact Sports IoT platform enables real-time control, dynamic light shows, and synchronization with audio systems for immersive effects during events.[55][56] The audio system, operational since the 2014 inauguration, supports high-decibel public address announcements and event sound reinforcement, with capabilities to integrate with lighting for timed effects like music-synced visuals.[57][53] It has been noted for overriding crowd noise during critical moments, such as post-match reactions.[58] Video display infrastructure includes two 10-meter-wide screens mounted on field-directed beams, facilitating replays, statistics, and auxiliary viewing for obstructed seats during hybrid events.[59] LED panels were refreshed in 2022 alongside lighting upgrades to improve broadcast quality.[60] Structural engineering incorporates heat and soundproofing systems, among the first in Brazil to mitigate noise and thermal impacts on surrounding areas, with beams engineered to bear lighting, audio, and video loads plus maintenance access.[19][59]

Sustainability Measures

Allianz Parque was designed and constructed to comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for sustainable building, targeting the Silver certification level, which emphasizes efficient resource use, indoor environmental quality, and reduced environmental impact.[61][62] This framework guided features such as the stadium's stainless steel facade, which incorporates natural ventilation across 35% of its vertical surfaces to minimize mechanical cooling needs.[61] Water conservation is achieved through a rainwater harvesting system that captures precipitation from 22 of the 65 roof membranes, reducing potable water consumption by 87% by supplying toilets, irrigation for the synthetic turf field, and other non-potable uses.[61][63] The synthetic turf itself uses organic infill materials like cork and baked sand, water-based paints, and zero pesticides, further supporting low-maintenance water efficiency.[61] Energy efficiency measures include automated monitoring of mechanical and hydraulic systems to optimize consumption, sourcing 50% of operational energy from renewables, and an investment of R$200,000 in LED lighting upgrades.[61][63] Waste management follows the "Rumo ao Lixo Zero" initiative, which diverted 75% of the 420 tons generated in 2023 toward recycling or composting, with a goal to limit landfill disposal to 10%; the stadium is a signatory to the UN Global Compact's Zero Waste Commitment.[61][63] In 2023, Allianz Parque conducted its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory using the GHG Protocol, establishing a baseline for emissions and achieving carbon neutrality through offsets from fuel substitution projects; this positions the venue as meeting 64% of 14 global stadium sustainability criteria, comparable to arenas like Santiago Bernabéu.[61][63]

Sports Utilization

Domestic Football Matches

Allianz Parque primarily hosts domestic football matches for Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, serving as the venue for fixtures in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Paulista. Since its opening in November 2014, the stadium has been configured for football with a capacity of 43,713 fully covered seats, enabling consistent high-volume attendance for Palmeiras' home games.[64][8] Palmeiras achieved its first Campeonato Brasileiro Série A victory at the stadium on June 14, 2015, defeating Fluminense 2–1. The venue has hosted pivotal domestic encounters, including derbies against rivals Corinthians and Santos, which routinely attract crowds exceeding 40,000 due to intense local rivalries. The record attendance for a domestic match was 40,035, recorded during a July 2016 league game against Santos.[8] In title-contending seasons, Palmeiras has leveraged the stadium's atmosphere for strong home performances, such as an unbeaten run during the 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A championship campaign. The club clinched its 11th Série A title on November 2, 2022, with a 4–0 victory over Fortaleza at Allianz Parque. Recent statistics underscore this dominance: in the 2023 Série A, Palmeiras posted 11 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses across 15 home matches.[65][66][67] Attendance has grown steadily, averaging 32,000 per home game in the 2023 Série A across 19 fixtures, supported by a membership program that prioritizes verified fans and has elevated figures from an earlier baseline of around 23,000. Over the past decade, domestic matches have drawn more than 8 million spectators, generating over R$576 million in ticket revenue.[64][68][69]

International Sporting Events

Allianz Parque has hosted a limited number of international sporting events, primarily football matches involving the Brazilian national team and club competitions featuring Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. The stadium's design complies with FIFA standards, enabling it to accommodate high-level international fixtures.[44] On June 7, 2015, the venue staged an international friendly between Brazil and Mexico as preparation for the Copa América. Brazil secured a 2–0 victory with first-half goals from Philippe Coutinho in the 28th minute and Diego Tardelli in the 37th minute, attended by approximately 25,000 spectators.[70][71] As Palmeiras' home ground since its 2014 opening, Allianz Parque has regularly hosted the club's matches in CONMEBOL tournaments, including the Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana. Notable examples include a preseason friendly against China's Shandong Luneng on January 17, 2015, and the second leg of the 2022 Recopa Sudamericana final against Athletico Paranaense on March 2, 2022, where Palmeiras won 2–0 with goals from Zé Rafael in the 50th minute and Danilo in the 88th minute, clinching the title on a 4–2 aggregate.[72][73] The stadium has also featured knockout-stage Copa Libertadores encounters, such as Palmeiras' hosting of River Plate on September 24, 2025.[74] These events underscore the arena's role in South American club football, drawing international opponents and contributing to Palmeiras' successes in continental play.[75]

Performance Metrics

The Allianz Parque has a seated capacity of 43,713 spectators for football matches.[76] [64] The stadium's highest recorded attendance for a football match occurred on April 29, 2023, during a Campeonato Paulista final between Palmeiras and Corinthians, drawing 41,457 spectators for Palmeiras's 1–0 victory. [77] Subsequent high-attendance games include the 2023 Campeonato Paulista final second leg on May 28, 2023 (Palmeiras 1–0 Corinthians, 41,444 paid attendees) and a Brasileirão Série A match on December 2, 2018 (Palmeiras 3–2 São Paulo, 41,256 attendees).[78]
RankDateMatchAttendance
1April 29, 2023Palmeiras 1–0 Corinthians (Paulista final)41,457
2May 28, 2023Palmeiras 1–0 Corinthians (Paulista final)41,444
3December 2, 2018Palmeiras 3–2 São Paulo (Brasileirão)41,256
4April 8, 2018Palmeiras 0–1 Corinthians (Paulista, penalties)41,227
5November 6, 2022Palmeiras 2–1 Fortaleza (Brasileirão)41,086
Palmeiras home matches at the stadium have averaged approximately 35,943 attendees per game in the 2022 Brasileirão season, rising to around 36,000 per match in both 2023 and 2024 across domestic competitions.[79] [69] Over the past decade through 2024, Palmeiras games have cumulatively drawn more than eight million spectators, generating over R$576 million (approximately $100 million USD at 2024 exchange rates) in ticket revenue.[69] Capacity utilization for Palmeiras domestic league home games typically exceeds 80%, with peaks near 95% during derbies and finals, though international Club World Cup matches in 2025 have seen lower rates around 60–70% due to scheduling and opponent draw.[80] The stadium's attendance has grown from an early average of about 23,000 in the mid-2010s to over 30,000 consistently post-2020, reflecting improved fan engagement and membership programs.[68]

Entertainment and Cultural Events

Major Concerts

Allianz Parque has hosted numerous major concerts featuring international and domestic artists, leveraging its capacity of up to 55,000 for musical events. The venue's first prominent musical performance was by Paul McCartney shortly after its 2014 opening, marking the start of its role as a key entertainment hub beyond sports.[81] Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts on November 24, 25, and 26, 2023, established the attendance benchmark, each drawing over 50,000 spectators and eclipsing the prior record set by Brazilian rock band Titãs.[82][83] These shows highlighted the stadium's acoustic and logistical capabilities for large-scale pop productions. Evanescence's headlining concert on October 21, 2023, attracted over 40,000 fans, representing the band's largest such event to date.[84] Other significant rock performances include The Who's tour stop on September 21, 2017, Guns N' Roses' set featuring classics like "Welcome to the Jungle," and Travis Scott's Utopia: Circus Maximus Tour show on September 11, 2024.[85][86][87] The stadium achieved 39 concerts in 2023, a then-record that supported premium ticket sales exhausting in seconds for select events.[88] In 2024, it hosted 47 shows with 1.6 million total attendees, solidifying its position as Brazil's leading arena for live music by volume.[89]

Other Non-Sporting Events

Allianz Parque features dedicated spaces for corporate and social events, including conventions, meetings, brand activations, happy hours, and parties. These facilities leverage the venue's modular infrastructure, such as the Allianz Parque Hall, which supports diverse formats with options for field-level setups or spectator stands, benefiting from thermal and acoustic insulation for optimal event execution.[90] Key areas include the Lounge Centenário, accommodating up to 250 guests in auditorium style with direct field views and divisible configurations for smaller relationship-building events; Lounge A4 for premium corporate or social gatherings with independent access; and camarotes equipped for intimate reunions and catering. The Zona Mista serves conventions, birthdays, and social functions near player or artist access points, while circulation rings on the ground level enable brand activations and plenárias with field proximity.[90] Parque Mirante, a rooftop complex spanning 4,000 m² atop the arena, hosts corporate events, fairs, conventions, and social occasions for 300 to 2,400 seated attendees, featuring a 1,000 m² main hall, 1,435 m² varanda with vehicle ramp access, bar areas, equipped kitchens, and 1,300 parking spaces. These spaces facilitate press conferences, gaming championships, and children's parties, contributing to the arena's role in over 1,726 total events since 2014, encompassing corporate activities alongside sports and entertainment.[91][92]

Event Statistics

Allianz Parque serves as a key venue for concerts and other cultural events, with its layout optimized for capacities up to 50,000 attendees in concert configurations. In 2024, it ranked first among South American stadiums for concert volume per Pollstar metrics, hosting events that sold over 1.3 million tickets and generated gross revenues exceeding $81 million USD.[93] This performance highlights sustained demand, driven by international tours from artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran, which frequently approach or reach maximum attendance. This achievement continued into 2025, with Allianz Parque recognized as the most attended arena in South America, leading the Pollstar rankings for the period spanning December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.[94][95][96][97] The stadium's record concert attendance stands at 50,000, achieved during Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour on November 26, 2023.[8] Earlier milestones include Paul McCartney's inaugural concert in 2014, which drew significant crowds and established the venue's multipurpose viability. By 2017, Allianz Parque had hosted the world's highest number of shows among stadiums, contributing to its global reputation despite the logistical challenges of field recovery between events.[98] Cumulative data indicate robust utilization, with reports citing 1.6 million total audience members across 47 concerts over the venue's first decade, equating to approximately 200 hours of live music programming.[99] These figures exclude smaller cultural or corporate gatherings, which leverage the stadium's flexible spaces but lack centralized attendance tracking in public records. Average per-event attendance for major shows typically exceeds 30,000, supported by efficient ticketing and infrastructure that minimizes disruptions to the primary football schedule.[100]

Economic Aspects

Revenue and Attendance Records

The highest recorded attendance at Allianz Parque for a football match was 41,457 paying spectators during Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras's 2–1 victory over Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A on April 29, 2023.[101][36] This figure exceeded the prior benchmark of 41,444 set earlier that month in the Campeonato Paulista final against São Paulo Futebol Clube on April 9, 2023.[102] The stadium's football capacity stands at 43,713, with expansions like the addition of 750 seats in the Geral Norte sector in 2025 aimed at accommodating larger crowds.[36] Across its first decade of operation from November 2014 to November 2024, Palmeiras hosted 308 matches at the venue, drawing a cumulative 8 million spectators.[103] Concerts and non-sporting events leverage a higher configuration of up to 55,000 attendees, contributing to annual ticket sales exceeding 1.3 million in recent years, though specific concert attendance peaks remain secondary to football derbies in historical listings.[93] The venue's peak single-match revenue from a football game reached R$15.1 million during Brazil's 3–0 win over Chile in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on October 10, 2017, establishing a Brazilian record at the time.[104] For Palmeiras specifically, notable grosses include R$4.97 million from a 2023 Copa Libertadores semifinal against Boca Juniors on October 7, 2023, with 40,398 attendees.[105] Cumulative ticket sales from Palmeiras home fixtures totaled R$576.4 million over the 2014–2024 period.[103] In 2024, Allianz Parque operations yielded R$40.5 million in shared revenue for Palmeiras from a mix of football matches, concerts, and other events, with non-sporting activities outperforming football in profitability that year.[106] Overall stadium revenue tripled between 2019 and 2025, driven by diversified programming and infrastructure upgrades like synthetic turf enhancements.[107]

Sponsorship Deals

The naming rights for Allianz Parque were secured by Allianz Seguros in April 2013 through a 20-year agreement valued at R$300 million, equivalent to approximately R$15 million per year.[108][27] This deal, one of the largest of its kind in Brazil at the time, facilitated the stadium's rebranding from Arena Palmeiras upon its opening in November 2014.[25] The contract includes provisions for annual adjustments to the payment value, reflecting inflation or other economic factors, though specific updated figures post-2013 have not been publicly disclosed in detail.[109] Additional sponsorships focus on operational and event-specific partnerships. In May 2025, Bet365 entered an exclusive agreement as the stadium's official sportsbook partner for events, marking a novel model for betting integrations in Brazilian venues.[110] Earlier, in 2019, Dahua Technology became a sponsor providing AI-powered security systems while also supporting Prevent Senior branding initiatives at the venue.[111] These deals complement the core naming rights by enhancing technological and promotional capabilities without altering the primary Allianz affiliation.

Broader Economic Impact

The Allianz Parque has generated substantial indirect economic benefits for São Paulo, primarily through visitor spending on accommodations, transportation, dining, and retail stimulated by its events. A specialized consultancy study commissioned by the arena estimated direct and indirect impacts from operations, contributing to broader economic circulation via multiplier effects in the events sector.[112] In 2023, these activities were reported to have injected R$3.44 billion into the city's economy, encompassing induced spending and supply chain effects.[113] Alternative estimates place the figure at R$3.8 billion for the same year, equivalent to roughly 0.5% of the municipal GDP as of 2020, highlighting the arena's role in sustaining local commerce amid fluctuating event volumes.[114] The venue's contribution extends to job generation, particularly in hospitality and service industries, as part of São Paulo's major events ecosystem. In 2023, large-scale events across the city, including those at Allianz Parque, supported the creation and maintenance of thousands of temporary and seasonal positions, with ripple effects in ancillary sectors like catering and logistics.[115] Over its first decade since opening in November 2014, the arena has hosted events attracting 14.5 million attendees, fostering sustained demand that bolsters employment stability in the Perdizes neighborhood and beyond.[116] Additionally, Allianz Parque has spurred real estate development and business investment in its vicinity, enhancing the Água Branca area's attractiveness for commercial ventures. Surrounding properties have maintained high liquidity even during economic downturns, driven by the arena's visibility and event-driven foot traffic, which encourages retail expansion and infrastructure upgrades.[117] This localization effect aligns with patterns observed in multi-purpose stadiums, where concentrated entertainment hubs amplify regional economic vitality without relying solely on sports revenue.[118]

Accessibility and Facilities

Transportation and Access

Allianz Parque is situated in the Perdizes neighborhood of São Paulo's west zone, with strong connectivity via the Palmeiras-Barra Funda intermodal terminal, approximately 1 km away, integrating metro, commuter rail, and bus services for efficient access.[119] The São Paulo Metro's Line 3 (Red Line) stops at Palmeiras-Barra Funda station, offering a roughly 10-minute walk to the stadium and connections to central São Paulo and beyond.[6] [120] CPTM commuter rail Lines 7 (Ruby), 8 (Diamond), and 11 (Coral) serve the same terminal, enabling travel from suburban areas like Jundiaí, Osasco, and Rio Grande da Serra.[121] [122] Multiple bus routes from the Companhia de Transportes Estratégicos e Inteligentes (SPTrans) and regional operators also provide service to nearby stops, supporting high-volume event attendance.[9] Drivers can utilize an adjacent multi-story parking garage at Rua Padre Antônio Tomás, 72, managed by Estapar, accommodating about 1,700 vehicles, though availability fills quickly during events. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and 99 are popular alternatives, particularly for late-night departures amid potential public transport crowds.[120] The venue supports accessibility for wheelchair users through designated paths from transport hubs and priority parking spaces.[123]

Visitor Amenities

Allianz Parque offers parking accommodations for up to 2,000 vehicles in a dedicated structure, including reserved spots near elevators for individuals with disabilities and the elderly.[124][125] Accessibility features are comprehensive, with 889 dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, 778 seats for those with reduced mobility, 122 specialized seats for obese individuals, 63 accessible restrooms distributed across all floors, 15 exclusive elevators, and 26 ramps, contributing to the stadium's receipt of the Selo Guiaderodas certification for accommodating people with physical disabilities.[1][126] Wheelchair users may bring up to two companions in reserved seating areas, and service dogs are permitted.[125] Food and beverage services operate via fixed kiosks and mobile vendors during events, providing options for snacks and drinks; external food is restricted to sealed, industrialized products in non-commercial quantities, with no cans, bottles, or alcohol allowed except at non-football events for patrons aged 18 and older.[125] All 43,603 seats are covered for weather protection, supplemented by premium camarotes featuring equipped interiors, exclusive terraces with premium armchairs, and enhanced views of the field.[127][125] Additional non-event amenities include on-site restaurants, a Palmeiras merchandise store, and a barbershop.[128] No ATMs are located inside the stadium, though nearby shopping centers within 500 meters provide banking services.[125]

Reception and Achievements

Critical and Fan Reception

The architectural design of Allianz Parque has received acclaim from industry awards, including the Master award at the 11th Grand Prix of Corporate Architecture for its innovative multipurpose layout.[3] The stadium's emphasis on flexibility, user-friendliness, and contemporary elements such as enhanced heating and soundproofing has been highlighted as exemplary in global design evaluations, earning recognition from the German Design Award for setting a high standard in stadium architecture.[46][129] Fan reception has been predominantly positive, with aggregate user ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 across thousands of reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Yelp, praising the venue's modern infrastructure, clean facilities, clear signage, and helpful staff.[130][131] Attendees frequently commend the excellent acoustics for concerts, unobstructed views from most seats during both sporting events and performances, and the overall vibrant atmosphere that enhances experiences for Palmeiras supporters and concertgoers alike.[9][132] Criticisms from some fans include challenges with upper-level seating acoustics during concerts, prolonged exit times after events, and occasional feelings of insecurity during tours, though these are outweighed by broader satisfaction in aggregated feedback.[133] Palmeiras torcedores have described the stadium as a modern boon for the club's competitiveness, despite discussions on whether it fully addresses traditional fan needs like standing sections.[134]

Awards and Recognitions

Allianz Parque's architectural design earned the Master Prize at the 11th edition of the Grand Prix of Corporate Architecture on September 3, 2014, recognizing its innovative multipurpose structure and integration of contemporary elements focused on user comfort, acoustics, and thermal control.[3] In February 2025, the stadium received the German Design Award in the Excellent Architecture category, honoring its high-level design that balances flexibility, functionality, and user-friendliness as a model for modern stadiums.[46][135] On September 4, 2025, Allianz Parque was awarded the title of best sports installation in South America, an accolade highlighting its role in hosting 14 Palmeiras titles over 11 seasons and its overall operational excellence as a multi-event venue.[136][137] The venue has also been nominated for international honors, including the New Venue Award in 2015, underscoring early recognition of its construction quality and project standards.

Visitor Experiences

Guided Tours

Guided tours at Allianz Parque, branded as the Allianz Parque Experience Tour, offer visitors exclusive access to non-public areas of the multi-purpose arena, which serves as the home stadium for Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.[128] These tours emphasize the venue's operational and historical elements, including its construction on the site of the former Parque Antártica stadium and brewery facilities dating back to the late 19th century.[138] The standard tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and follows a structured itinerary through key facilities such as the bleachers, corporate suites, players' locker rooms, press conference room, and the pitch itself, allowing participants to walk on the field used for professional matches.[139][140] Additional stops include the Palmeiras trophy room, showcasing the club's achievements, and narrative segments on the team's history since its founding in 1914.[140] Tours operate in reduced groups of up to 15 participants to ensure a relaxed pace, with features like a welcome drink and expedited check-in to minimize wait times.[140] English-language guided options are provided alongside Portuguese, accommodating international visitors.[138] As a daily attraction, tours are available outside of event schedules, subject to stadium availability, and can be booked online through dedicated platforms.[128][141] This experience highlights Allianz Parque's status as one of Latin America's most advanced venues, completed in 2014 with a capacity exceeding 43,000 for football events.[139]

Controversies and Challenges

Construction Delays

The construction of Allianz Parque commenced in July 2010 on the site of the former Estádio Palestra Itália, with initial projections aiming for completion around late 2012.[18] However, the project encountered repeated setbacks, including bureaucratic obstacles, technical construction challenges, and contractual disputes between Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras and the primary constructor, WTorre.[142] These issues extended the timeline by approximately two years, resulting in the stadium's inauguration on November 19, 2014.[143] In February 2014, Palmeiras evaluated pursuing compensation from WTorre for non-compliance with delivery schedules, as the firm had forecasted a June 2014 handover but faced ongoing impediments.[144] WTorre contested claims of undue delay, attributing extensions to external factors and the club's hesitancy in issuing required operational clearances and legal authorizations, which further protracted progress.[145] By August 2014, announcements indicated a prospective September opening, yet additional refinements, including roofing elements, pushed the date back once more.[146] The postponements had tangible repercussions, such as the relocation of scheduled concerts—including a major musical event—to rival venues like Estádio do Morumbi due to unresolved readiness concerns.[147] Despite these hurdles, the stadium achieved completion nearly 11 months post the 2014 FIFA World Cup, marking it as one of several Brazilian arena projects emblematic of broader infrastructural lags during that period.[148]

Safety Incidents and Irregularities

In July 2023, Palmeiras supporter Gabriela Anelli, aged 23, died from head injuries sustained when she was struck by a glass bottle during a brawl between Palmeiras and Flamengo fans outside Allianz Parque following a match.[149][150] The incident highlighted ongoing challenges with crowd control in the stadium's vicinity, prompting calls for enhanced perimeter security.[151] A similar fan violence episode occurred in February 2022, when a Palmeiras supporter was fatally shot during infighting among torcedores on Rua Palestra Itália near the stadium after the club's FIFA Club World Cup final loss.[152] Police attributed the death to disputes among rival fan groups, underscoring persistent risks from hooliganism in São Paulo's football culture despite operational blockades like the "super quadra" security perimeter implemented for high-attendance events.[153] Earlier reports from 2016–2017 documented recurrent fights, thefts, and public disturbances around the arena during matchdays, leading to intensified policing and temporary street closures by the Secretaria de Segurança Pública to segregate fan movements.[153] Vandalism incidents, such as broken seating in the visitor section after a 2023 derby against Corinthians, have also been noted, though confined to post-game altercations.[154] A September 2025 complementary engineering report by the Federação Paulista de Futebol identified minor structural and systems irregularities at Allianz Parque, including displaced flooring in the ground level and fourth-floor media areas (requiring epoxy or concrete repairs), inadequate glass guardrails on the terrace level, and infiltrations in the roof covering—all classified as minimum risk with no immediate safety threats.[155] Electrical assessments revealed irregularities such as missing surge protection devices, warning signs, and single-line diagrams in multiple panels, alongside disorganized wiring and unsecured covers, necessitating preventive maintenance every three months to comply with NR-10 standards.[155] These findings, stemming from routine inspections rather than acute failures, indicate ongoing maintenance needs in a facility operational since 2014, with no evidence of systemic structural compromise. In 2015, shortly after the inauguration of Allianz Parque, tensions emerged between Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras and the WTorre Group—operating through its subsidiary Real Arenas as the superficies holder and administrator—over the terms of their 30-year operational contract. This agreement, forged to finance the stadium's construction without direct club debt, granted WTorre control over event scheduling, revenue from non-football activities such as concerts, and naming rights commercialization, while obligating the company to share proceeds with Palmeiras at escalating rates starting at 5% in the initial five years. Disputes centered on WTorre's alleged prioritization of lucrative shows over Palmeiras matches, inadequate revenue transparency, and failure to meet financial commitments amid the venue's underutilization for music events.[23][156] Litigation intensified in subsequent years, including a 2018 São Paulo court ruling that dismissed Palmeiras' claims for additional concert revenues, citing unresolved debt questions between the parties and affirming WTorre's contractual scheduling authority. By 2023, Palmeiras' leadership publicly criticized the arrangement as financially burdensome, asserting the club had effectively subsidized operations while receiving disproportionate benefits, though WTorre maintained the deal's structure had enabled the stadium's viability. These conflicts disrupted governance, with Palmeiras seeking judicial intervention to secure priority access for home games and enhanced commercial rights.[157][158] The protracted battle, spanning nearly a decade, concluded with a settlement announced on October 9, 2024. Under the terms, WTorre paid Palmeiras R$50.1 million in cash immediately, transferred ownership of select arena assets including parking facilities, and restructured revenue shares to favor the club—totaling R$117.1 million in financial concessions. The accord also empowered Palmeiras with veto rights on conflicting event dates and expanded sponsorship autonomy, effectively ending all judicial proceedings without admission of liability by either side. This resolution was hailed by both parties as stabilizing for Allianz Parque's future operations.[159][23][156]

Recent Developments

Capacity Expansion Plans

In early 2025, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras initiated internal discussions to expand the Allianz Parque's seating capacity for football matches from its current limit of 43,713 spectators, aiming to accommodate higher attendance amid record crowds, such as the 43,404 fans recorded during a 2023 match against Corinthians.[160] [161] The primary proposal involves repurposing the underutilized amphitheater space in the Gol Norte sector to add approximately 750 to 1,000 additional seats, potentially increasing total capacity to around 45,000 and enabling a dedicated low-cost "setor popular" with tickets priced at about R$40, as initially approved during the prior club administration led by Mauricio Galliotte.[162] [163] [161] This modification would target standing or budget seating to boost accessibility for lower-income fans while surpassing previous attendance highs, though implementation faces logistical hurdles including structural feasibility and coordination with operator WTorre Entretenimento.[160] [164] As of mid-2025, no final approvals or construction timelines had been confirmed, with club executives prioritizing the expansion for high-demand fixtures to maximize revenue without altering the stadium's core multi-purpose design, which already supports up to 55,000 for concerts.[165] [161] Separate ongoing renovations, such as synthetic turf replacement scheduled for late 2025, could intersect with these plans but are not directly tied to capacity gains.[166]

Ongoing Sponsorships and Events

Allianz held the stadium's naming rights under a 2013 agreement spanning an initial 20 years, with an option for a 10-year extension, until its early termination in April 2026.[3] On April 9, 2026, WTorre rescinded the contract with Allianz eight years ahead of schedule and entered into a new naming rights agreement with Nubank. The contract is set to run until 2044, aligning with the expiration of the concession contract with WTorre, at which point Palmeiras will assume total administration of Allianz Parque. From 2045 onward, the management and control of the stadium will be exclusively under Palmeiras. Unofficial estimates indicate Nubank will pay around US$10 million (R$51 million) per year—nearly double Allianz's previous amount. Palmeiras did not participate in the negotiations, as WTorre retains commercial rights until 2044, though the club's share of revenues increased to 15% in November 2025. Fans will decide the new name through an online vote restricted by CPF, selecting from Nubank Parque, Nubank Arena, or Parque Nubank. Preparations for the vote and name announcement are in progress.[2] [167] [168] [169] [170] In May 2025, bet365 secured an exclusive partnership as the official sportsbook sponsor for events at Allianz Parque, granting rights to betting-related advertising and activations.[110][171] Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, the primary user of the venue, entered a master sponsorship deal with Sportingbet in January 2025, featuring prominent branding on team kits and during home fixtures at the stadium.[172][173] The stadium hosts ongoing football events, including Palmeiras' home matches in the Brazilian Série A, such as the October 26, 2025, fixture against Cruzeiro.[174] Allianz Parque also accommodates concerts and other entertainment, with 2025 lineups featuring artists like Guns N' Roses, Chris Brown, Planet Hemp, and Marcelo D2.[132][175]

References

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