Santos assess Ibirapuera as São Paulo option with Pacaembu talks ongoing | OneFootball

Santos are exploring alternatives to Pacaembu for matches in São Paulo, with the Ibirapuera complex under evaluation. According to Globo.com, Pacaembu is unavailable due to incomplete paperwork, although talks over its use continue.

The São Paulo government has opened a one-month public consultation for suggestions on Ibirapuera and the Vila Olímpica Mário Covas ahead of a concession. The complex is being refurbished with an estimated R$ 70 million, adding new seats, big screens and other upgrades.

Santos have signalled interest in bidding for concessions to both areas, with distinct plans for each. The Estádio Ícaro de Castro Mello, capacity 13,000, is being considered to host first-team games during works at Vila Belmiro.

The model under discussion is a use concession with heritage protections, led by the Sports Secretariat. Ibirapuera is in play because a partnership with Pacaembu’s new operator has not materialised and shows no sign of progress.

The Secretariat aims to boost elite sporting use, and Santos are viewed as a serious contender for the concessions. Vila Olímpica could host youth training, a plan the club will assess as it seeks options beyond CT Meninos da Vila and Rei Pelé.

Santos hope to conclude talks with WTorre this semester on a new arena, enabling the steps towards demolishing Vila Belmiro. The club must have a registered stadium before any demolition begins. Construction is projected to take up to four years.

Source: Globo.com