Novo Canindé – design description

How was the project for Portuguesa’s new stadium created?

The football club Associação Portuguesa de Desportos (commonly known as Portuguesa or Lusa) was founded in 1920 by members of the Portuguese community in São Paulo. To this day, the club identifies with the colors and symbols of Portugal.

The team last played in Série A, the top tier of Brazilian football, in the 2013 season. Their relegation to Série B in 2013 happened under unusual circumstances: although the team had already secured safety, in the final round they fielded an ineligible player, which led to the deduction of four points.

This triggered a series of setbacks: the following season the club was relegated to Série C, and two years later to Série D. At the same time, Portuguesa fell into debt.

In November 2024, 80% of Portuguesa’s shares were acquired by a consortium formed by Revee, Tauá Partners, and XP Investimentos. The new investors pledged to resolve the club’s debts, secure a quick return to Série A, and build a new stadium.

Regarding the new stadium, the shareholders quickly moved forward. The concept was presented at a club board meeting held on August 19, 2025. The design was prepared by local studio JLM Architecture.

What does the new stadium project for Portuguesa include?

The plan calls for the construction of a new football stadium on the site of the existing Estádio do Canindé, allowing the club to maintain its prime location – next to the main Marginal Tietê expressway, close to downtown São Paulo and the largest bus terminal in Latin America (Terminal Rodoviário Tietê).

The new stadium will have a capacity of 52,590 spectators. The building will also include a multi-level parking facility and new spaces for the club’s community.

The renderings also show a stage area replacing the south-end stands, as well as a tower integrated with the stadium. For concerts, the arena will be able to host over 84,500 people.

When will Portuguesa’s new stadium be built?

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and is expected to take up to 40 months, i.e. just over three years.