Neo Química Arena nears unveiling of São Jorge statue | OneFootball

Neo Química Arena is closing in on the unveiling of a São Jorge statue, with installation work now in its final phase. The monument is already visible at car park E5, near the West stand.

Installation began at the end of March. According to Meu Timao, the plan is to inaugurate on 23 April, which coincides with Saint George’s Day.

Named Cavaleiro Fiel, the piece is by Corinthian artist Gilmar Pinna. Completed in 2014, it was intended for the stadium car park during a tournament that was set to stage the opening and five other matches, but the present did not materialise.

In recent days Pinna has posted updates on transporting the statue and on the space being prepared at the arena. Valued at approximately R$ 1 million at completion, the artist said, "I hope the Brazilian people, the Corinthians board and the Corinthians fans like it. It was made with my best intentions. Corinthians is much more than football, it is a history, it is a feeling." He told ge.globo at the time.

The stainless steel and iron structure stands around 25 metres tall. Until now it has been displayed at Parque Cecap in Guarulhos, close to São Paulo International Airport, where Pinna’s studio is also based.

São Jorge was formally adopted as Corinthians’ patron in 1941 during the construction of Parque São Jorge, the club’s social headquarters. The association dates back roughly 20 years earlier.

While the club awaits the inauguration, the team host Internacional on Sunday at 19:30 in the 10th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at the Casa do Povo.

Source: Meu Timao