Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

aerial view of modern stadium in urban area

Arena Corinthians, officially known as Neo Química Arena for sponsorship reasons, is a modern multi-purpose stadium located in São Paulo, Brazil. It serves as the proud home ground of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, one of Brazil’s most popular and successful football clubs. Beyond its role in domestic football, the stadium gained international prominence as a key venue for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic football tournaments. This guide provides essential information for visiting Arena Corinthians, understanding its unique characteristics, and navigating the experience of attending events here.

History and Design

The construction of Arena Corinthians began in 2011, culminating in its inauguration in May 2014, just before the FIFA World Cup. The stadium was specifically built to host the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a role it fulfilled with the Brazil vs. Croatia game. Its design is notable for its striking modern architecture, including a massive LED screen on its eastern façade and a unique roof structure designed to amplify crowd noise.

While its permanent capacity is around 47,252, temporary seating was added for the World Cup to meet FIFA’s requirements for the opening match, bringing the capacity to approximately 68,000. These temporary stands were later removed. The pitch itself is a hybrid grass system, designed for optimal playability.

Venue Highlights and Amenities

Arena Corinthians offers a state-of-the-art experience for fans and visitors:

  • Modern Architecture: The stadium’s contemporary design, particularly its illuminated façade, makes it a distinctive landmark in São Paulo.
  • Fan Experience: Designed with fan comfort and engagement in mind, including good sightlines and acoustics that enhance the atmosphere.
  • Club Museum: The Corinthians club museum is located at the stadium, offering a deep dive into the history and achievements of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.
  • Commercial Areas: The stadium complex includes various commercial spaces, offering food, beverages, and merchandise.

Key Information

Official Name: Neo Química Arena (formerly Arena Corinthians)
Location: São Paulo, Brazil (Itaquera district, East Zone)
Opened: May 10, 2014 (inaugural match)
Capacity: 47,252
Tenant: Corinthians (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista)
Address: Av. Miguel Ignácio Curi, 111 – Vila Carmosina, São Paulo – SP, 08295-005, Brazil

Major Events Hosted

Arena Corinthians has quickly established itself as a significant venue for major sporting events:

  • 2014 FIFA World Cup: Hosted six matches, including the opening ceremony and opening match (Brazil vs. Croatia), and a semi-final (Argentina vs. Netherlands).
  • 2016 Summer Olympics (Football): Hosted several men’s and women’s football matches, including a bronze medal match.
  • 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Selected as a host venue for matches during this historic tournament, the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in South America.
  • Copa Libertadores & Copa Sudamericana: Regularly hosts matches for these prestigious South American club competitions.
  • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: Home ground for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista’s domestic league matches.
  • Concerts and Other Events: The versatile nature of the stadium allows it to host large-scale concerts and other non-sporting events.

Getting to Arena Corinthians

Arena Corinthians is located in the Itaquera district, in the East Zone of São Paulo. Public transport, particularly the metro and CPTM (suburban trains), is highly recommended for reaching the stadium due to heavy traffic and limited parking on event days.

  • By Metro & CPTM (Recommended):
    • The stadium is directly served by the Corinthians-Itaquera Station, which is an interchange station for both the Metro Line 3 (Red Line) and CPTM Line 11 (Coral Line).
    • This station is an 8-minute walk from the stadium. Public transportation operates 24 hours a day.
    • From Luz Station (city center): Take CPTM Line 11 (Coral) directly to Corinthians-Itaquera Station, or Metro Line 3 (Red) to Arthur Alvim or Itaquera Stations.
    • From Arthur Alvim Station (Metro Line 3): This station is also within walking distance to the stadium’s west entrance.
  • By Car & Parking:
    • Fan parking at Arena Corinthians is generally not available for major events like football matches. Fans are strongly advised to use public transport.
    • If driving for non-matchday events, use a GPS and enter ‘Av. Miguel Ignácio Curi, 111’.
  • By Taxi/Rideshare:
    • Designated drop-off and pick-up points are usually established on event days. For rideshare apps, type ‘Corinthians Arena’. Taxis typically drop off and pick up on Av. Professor Engenheiro Adervan Machado x Av. Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.
  • By Air:
    • São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU): The closest major international airport, approximately 13 km from the stadium. Connections to the city centre and then to Itaquera are available via airport bus services and then metro/CPTM.
    • São Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH): A domestic airport, approximately 22 km from the stadium.

Tickets at Arena Corinthians

Tickets for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista matches and other events at Arena Corinthians are typically available through the club’s official channels and authorised ticketing platforms.

  • Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Matches:
    • Tickets are sold via the club’s official website (corinthians.com.br) and official ticket offices.
    • Membership programs (e.g., Fiel Torcedor) often provide priority access and discounts.
  • Other Events (Concerts, etc.):
    • Tickets will be sold through major Brazilian ticketing agencies and event promoters.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels to ensure authenticity and avoid fraudulent sales.

Stadium Tours and Club Museum

Arena Corinthians offers engaging guided tours that provide a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the stadium and the rich history of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

  • “Tour Casa do Povo” (Stadium Tour):
    • Overview: This guided tour is designed to celebrate the club’s history and the stadium’s modern features. Visitors can explore exclusive areas and learn about the arena’s versatility and the passion for “Timão” (Corinthians’ nickname).
    • Highlights: Tours typically include access to the field, locker rooms, the press conference room, and other behind-the-scenes areas.
    • Booking: Tours can be booked through the official Neo Química Arena website. Reservations are recommended, especially for specific dates and times.
    • Duration: Tours typically last 1-2 hours.
    • Accessibility: The tour is generally wheelchair and stroller accessible.
    • Pricing: Check the official website for current pricing, as it may vary.
  • Corinthians Club Museum:
    • While the stadium tour provides a deep dive into the club’s history and achievements, a dedicated “Corinthians club museum” is integrated into the stadium experience, featuring interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Access to this museum is typically part of the stadium tour or available as a separate ticket.
    • Highlights: Expect to see memorabilia, interactive displays, and learn about the club’s significant moments and legendary players.

Where to Stay Near Arena Corinthians

While the Itaquera district has some local accommodation, many visitors prefer to stay in central São Paulo areas that offer better access to tourism, dining, and other amenities, with easy metro/CPTM connections to the stadium.

  • Near the Stadium (Itaquera District):
    • Pros: Closest proximity to the stadium, ideal for those attending multiple matches or with very early/late event times. Options might include smaller hotels or guesthouses.
    • Examples: Hotel Moinho Do Leste (check reviews for suitability).
  • Central São Paulo (e.g., Paulista Avenue, Downtown, Jardins):
  • Near Guarulhos Airport (GRU):
    • Pros: Convenient for those flying in and out, especially if connecting flights.
    • Examples: Hotel Panamby Guarulhos.

Booking Tips:

  • Plan Your Itinerary First: Decide which matches you want to attend and in which cities before booking flights and accommodation.
  • Book Early: Hotels and flights will be in extremely high demand and prices will surge closer to the tournament. Secure your bookings as soon as possible.
  • Consider Multi-City Stays: If attending matches in different cities, plan your travel and accommodation logically to minimise travel time.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise platforms like Tripadvisor to find and compare options. Always verify reviews.
  • Review Cancellation Policies: Be aware of cancellation policies, especially when booking far in advance.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Arena Corinthians

Enjoy your visit to Arena Corinthians!

Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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