Pacaembu Stadium Seats Sold as Furniture by TokStok, Sparking Heritage Controversy
On Wednesday, TokStok transformed 27,600 seats from Pacaembu Stadium into chairs and stools, each priced at nearly R$1800, with proceeds supporting the Gol de Letra Foundation. This sale of assets from a heritage-listed site sparked criticism online. Historian Deborah Neves condemned it as 'charity with someone else's hat.' Sóstenes Oliveira, director of Gol de Letra, mentioned that the foundation accepted TokStok's invitation in June, seeing it as a beneficial project. Councilman Celso Giannazi (PSOL) lodged complaints with the São Paulo Public Ministry. Allegra clarified that the seats were not original and would be removed during renovations. The São Paulo Municipal Sports Secretariat confirmed there were no legal impediments. This controversy follows Allegra's authorized demolition of parts of the stadium in May for an e-sports arena set to reopen in January 2024.
Key facts
- 600 seats from Pacaembu Stadium were turned into furniture by TokStok.
- Prices for the furniture reach nearly R$1800.
- Proceeds are directed to the Gol de Letra Foundation.
- Historian Deborah Neves criticized the sale as 'charity with someone else's hat.'
- Councilman Celso Giannazi (PSOL) filed complaints with the Public Ministry and Audit Court.
- Allegra holds a 35-year concession for the stadium, awarded in January 2020.
- The stadium's east and west stands were demolished in May for an e-sports arena.
- The stadium is listed as heritage by Conpresp (1988) and Condephaat (1998).
Entities
Institutions
- TokStok
- Gol de Letra Foundation
- Allegra
- DPZ
- Ministério Público paulista
- Tribunal de Contas do Município de São Paulo
- Secretaria Municipal de Esportes (SEME)
- Instituto Pólis
- Conpresp
- Condephaat
- Secretaria de Cultura e Economia Criativa do Estado de São Paulo
- Associação Viva Pacaembu
- Prefeitura de São Paulo
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro