Business
Sports Journalism and Nostalgia for Classic Stadiums
Fernando Henrique Ahuvia analyzes competition in sports coverage and recalls the historical impact of Pacaembu.
Fernando Henrique Ahuvia discusses the high demand among students for sports journalism and the contrast between modern arenas and traditional grounds. In a conversation with Bruno Gimenes, Ahuvia examines the modernization of Pacaembu and the enduring relevance of regional championships.
During an interview with Bruno Gimenes on Marketing - The Podcast, Fernando Henrique Ahuvia discussed the influx of professionals seeking careers in sports journalism and the cultural shift driven by stadium modernization across Brazil. The discussion formed part of a broader episode that addressed various aspects of the relationship between the press and media relations.
According to Ahuvia, sports reporting is often the preferred entry point for communications students starting college. "At least half the class, when university begins, says, 'No, I want to work in sports, I want to be a reporter—maybe on TV, radio, or digital—I just want to cover sports,'" he noted. He observed that opportunities narrow considerably by graduation: "By the time college ends, you see that only a few usually manage to follow that path. Still, it’s a wonderful journey, whether you're working as a reporter or a press officer. It's a very rewarding field—challenging, exhausting, but deeply gratifying."
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
In the video above, Ahuvia and Bruno share memories of matches at classic grounds and debate the broader impact of modern infrastructure on soccer culture.
The Transition from Traditional Terraces to Modern Arenas
The construction of new arenas for the World Cup elevated comfort levels and facility standards across Brazil's top two divisions, but it also moved fans away from the traditional terrace experience. Ahuvia reflected on past ticket prices and the distinct matchday atmosphere at venues like Pacaembu. "Today, we have all these modern, comfortable stadiums across Série A and most of Série B, with top-tier infrastructure built primarily for the World Cup, but people still miss that raw, grassroots stadium feel," he emphasized. For him, regional tournaments like the Paulistão and Carioca serve as key opportunities to revisit historic venues.
The decline of regular fixtures at Pacaembu was largely driven by São Paulo clubs establishing their own venues, such as Neo Química Arena and Allianz Parque. Ahuvia explained that Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Santos previously shared the municipal stadium regularly: "Today, each club has its own arena. Pacaembu itself closed for renovations for several years and is now a brand-new complex. As you saw, the old 'tobogã' stand is gone, replaced by a commercial building complex featuring diverse facilities."
The Role of State Championships and the Use of Pacaembu
Amid ongoing debates regarding Brazil's congested national soccer calendar, Ahuvia pushed back against calls to scrap state championships, advocating instead for schedule adjustments and utilizing neutral venues for deciders. "I'm against ending the state tournaments. I think the schedule simply needs to be reorganized. Hosting a single-leg final at Pacaembu, for instance for the Paulistão, would be fantastic for the state of São Paulo," he stated. He added that the current single-fanbase restrictions in São Paulo derbies remain another hurdle to overcome in order to fully leverage these historic sports venues.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
