The Arena da Baixada reinvents itself! The match between Athletico and Internacional will mark the debut of the new state-of-the-art synthetic turf and the long-awaited semi-automatic offside system in the Brazilian Serie A.
This Saturday, the ball will roll for an unprecedented chapter in Brazilian football history. The clash between Athletico Paranaense and Internacional, which opens the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, will be much more than a fight for three points. The Arena da Baixada is preparing to present its revamped synthetic turf to the country and, simultaneously, inaugurate the semi-automatic offside system in an official national top-flight match. It’s a technological leap that places Furacão at the forefront, promising to elevate the experience for athletes and fans alike.
After intense work during the break, Athletico’s home ground emerges with innovations that highlight the club’s commitment to excellence. The new turf, which has just received the coveted FIFA QUALITY PRO certification — the highest level seal from the sport’s governing body — is the materialization of a significant investment in infrastructure and performance.
A Renovated Arena for Rubro-Negro Passion
The replacement of the synthetic turf, the first since its installation in 2016, represents a profound modernization. Athletico has embraced the shock pad technology, a crucial cushioning layer situated between the base and the turf, designed to absorb impact and protect athletes. Furthermore, the club has replaced the old coconut fiber infill with modern cork, aligning with a quality standard already adopted by top synthetic pitches in Brazil.
“The biggest difference compared to the previous one is the inclusion of the shock pad. That’s really the biggest innovation, it’s what will make a big difference, especially for the athlete, regarding impact absorption”, highlighted Fernando Volpato, the club’s director of property and operations, emphasizing the direct benefits for the players.
The installation process, which lasted throughout the break for the World Cup, involved removing about 9,500 cubic meters of the old turf, applying the new layers, and finally, painting and topograpy. Although the field might initially show a slight yellowish hue due to the cork on the surface, the club assures that it will integrate with the turf, providing a more natural ball roll and a denser appearance. With a 10-year warranty, the new surface is a testament to Furacão‘s long-term vision.
The Future Arrives with Semi-Automatic Offside
Parallel to the turf revolution, the Arena da Baixada will host the official debut of the semi-automatic offside system. This cutting-edge technology, already seen in international competitions, arrives in the Brazilian Serie A to add more accuracy and transparency to crucial decisions. Approximately 30 high-definition cameras, strategically positioned in the stadium, film the match in 4K at 100 frames per second, creating an exact digital replica of each play.
The CBF has contracted Genius, a company that already operates the system in prestigious leagues such as the Premier League. Unlike the version used in the World Cup, which included a chip in the ball, the Brazilian model operates by validating the on-field decision until the end of the play. Only after the play concludes is the technology activated to confirm or correct any potential offside call, ensuring that the game’s flow is maintained, but with the backing of digital precision.
The combination of a state-of-the-art synthetic turf and the introduction of semi-automatic offside positions Athletico and the Arena da Baixada as a true hub of innovation in Brazilian football. This Saturday will not just be about football; it will be about the passion for the sport embracing the future, with the promise of an even fairer, more dynamic, and exciting spectacle. Furacão doesn’t just play, it innovates.
