The NFL heads to Brazil's most-populous city for the very first time in 2024. It should make for an enticing affair.
The Eagles and Packers are set to take the stage in São Paulo on Friday. It represents the first time that The Shield has gone south of Mexico and figures to be a captivating clash, not only for the copious amounts of talent on the field, but also for the landscape that surrounds them.
The clash will take place at Corinthians Arena, one of Brazil's most famous sporting sites. It hasn't been around for all that long, admittedly. But the new-fangled compound should serve Philadelphia and Green Bay well, especially with the weather expected to hold up for the most part.
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Here's what you need to know about the home of NFL Brazil's game in 2024, Corinthians Arena.
Corinthians Arena capacity
Corinthians Arena, also called Neo Quimica Arena, is capable of holding up to 47,252 attendees, according to FIFA. The stadium has filled up beyond capacity in the past, most recently in 2014, when it hosted 63,237 spectators for Argentina's 0-0 draw with Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup semifinals.
However, more often than not, the Aníbal Coutinho-designed colossus houses around 40,000-50,000 onlookers, most sporting the club's famous white-and-black strip.
Corinthians Arena history
Corinthians Arena was erected in 2014, just in time for that year's FIFA World Cup, which was held in Brazil. The stadium was decades in the making; Corinthians had been planning on crafting a new home since the late 1970s; for one reason or another, their schemes went up in smoke.
In 2010, lightning struck. The famous soccer club announced its intention to construct a sparkling new colosseum. Workers broke ground on the site — located in the heart of São Paulo — on May 30, 2011. Nearly three years later, on May 10, 2014, the amphitheater was unveiled to the masses. Six World Cup matches were held at the location, including the opening match between Brazil and Croatia. Led by a raucous Selecao crowd and Neymar's scintillating form, the Brazilians claimed a 3-1 victory over their Croatian opponents.
The ground also hosted soccer matches during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following the 2014 World Cup, Corinthians officially moved into the stadium. They've won two league titles since the construction of the arena.
How much did Corinthians Arena cost to build?
Corinthians Arena reportedly cost nearly R$1 billion, or $181,907,220 in USD, per Reuters. It was one of 12 stadiums organizers invested in for the 2014 World Cup. The decision to bankroll these grounds wasn't universally popular. In fact, protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, with many citing their frustration with the federal government's desire to spend so much on the famed soccer tournament instead of infrastructure.
How long did Corinthians Arena construction take?
Corinthians Arena took three years to build, with workers first breaking ground on the construction sight on May 30, 2011. On May 10, 2014, the stadium was officially completed. It hosted its first sporting event — Brazil vs. Croatia — a few weeks later.
NFL international games 2024
Once again, the NFL will be playing five international games in 2024 –– with three games in London, one in Germany, and one in São Paulo.
Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
Friday, Sept. 6 (Week 1) | Eagles vs. Packers | Arena Corinthians, São Paulo | 8:15 p.m. | Peacock |
Sunday, Oct. 6 (Week 5) | Jets vs. Vikings | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network |
Sunday, Oct. 13 (Week 6) |
Jaguars vs. Bears | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network |
Sunday, Oct. 20 (Week 7) | Patriots vs. Jaguars | Wembley Stadium, London | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network |
Sunday, Nov. 10 (Week 10) | Giants vs. Panthers | Allianz Arena, Munich | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network |