In a decision that will shape the future of the Morumbi stadium, São Paulo Futebol Clube and construction company WTorre have agreed to keep natural grass, rejecting artificial turf. The consensus comes amid intense weekly discussions about the stadium’s renovation. The project is expected to be delivered this year, with full completion targeted for 2030, the club’s centennial.
Keeping natural grass at the Morumbi, a position firmly defended by São Paulo, was one of the main points discussed with WTorre. According to club marketing director Eduardo Toni, the decision was confirmed during the latest meetings between the two sides.
“We’ve been holding weekly meetings with WTorre and making progress on suites and the surrounding area. Today, there are still some options to be defined, mainly regarding the roof. The roof has a very important impact, because we’re going to keep the natural grass,” Toni said.
Discussions are currently focused on the stadium’s roof. Although the trend is to cover the Morumbi, specific details are still being analyzed, the executive explained.
“Whether it covers 100%, whether it’s retractable, how far it retracts… It’s a cost-benefit question. We’re doing all of these analyses, because it affects everything, even the price we’ll be able to charge for seats,” Toni explained.
The project, which began to be discussed in December of last year, has an initial estimated cost of about R$800 million (roughly $155 million), to be raised by WTorre at no additional cost to São Paulo.
In addition to the natural grass, the renovated Morumbi will feature more than 200 suites, although the exact number has not yet been set. The plan also includes a modular amphitheater with capacity for 20,000 people and parking for 2,000 vehicles.
The Morumbi renovation aims not only to modernize the stadium but also to ensure it remains one of the main stages of Brazilian soccer, meeting fans’ expectations and the demands of an increasingly competitive market. Delivery of the final project is scheduled for 2030, celebrating São Paulo Futebol Clube’s 100th anniversary.
