Palmeiras have lost their race against time to hold next week’s game at Allianz Parque. But the following fixture is safe to take place at the new stadium. Later it’s time for Paul McCartney…

Though Allianz Parque still hasn’t been delivered in its entirety, only secondary elements are left and should not impede organizing large events at the new stadium. Except for one, which is now confirmed not to take place: the Atletico Mineiro game of November 8.

While the general contractor WTorre managed to get local fire department’s approval, hosting police inspections in time proved impossible. Deadline for police’s green light passed yesterday and without it Brazilian Serie A authorities refused to allow venue switch from Pacaembu to Allianz Parque.

© NovaArena.com.br

Still, inspections by the police are a matter of two days. Even with corrections ordered by the officials, the stadium is now safe to open on November 20, when Palmeiras will take on Sport Recife.

First test-event was already carried out, seeing a portion of the stands opened to spectators with old legends on the pitch and entertainment on stage. The field seems to be in great shape after it’s been laid in July and taken care despite ongoing works.

© NovaArena.com.br

As the first game ends, preparations for Paul McCartney’s Sao Paulo events will begin. Ticket demand exceeded one-night capacity of roughly 55,000 people and forced global venue operator AEG to launch a second concert. McCartney is now planned to perform on Nov 25 and 26.

Worth keeping in mind, recent struggle to open the stadium in time has very little in common with initial timeline or budget for Allianz Parque. The arena was planned for delivery in April 2013 and expected to cost R$330 million. Instead, it’s still not entirely done and required some R$630 million.