The Permanent Exhibition Park of Ribeirão Preto (SP) has the potential to acquire a multi-use covered arena intended for shows and events, as well as a public square with leisure areas and renewed infrastructure to host fairs and festivals. Preliminary concession studies indicate an initial cost of R$ 134.8 million, which will be funded by the company that wins the bidding process, responsible for managing the site for 35 years.
These studies were prepared by Consórcio Arena Ribeirão and evaluated by a City Hall commission. On September 29, this commission suggested that the material be used in the continuation of the process, although it emphasized that this does not imply automatic acceptance of values, projects, or rules, allowing for adjustments by the City Hall.
The realization of the project still depends on approval by the Municipal Chamber and the holding of a bidding process. João Rafael Mião, municipal Secretary of Administration, informed that the City Hall's intention is to launch the public notice by the end of 2026, with the goal of finishing the works in 2028. Mião emphasized that the objective is to grant the requalification of the space, as Ribeirão Preto deserves a suitable, beautiful, and pleasant place for the community.
How the park should look
The main addition planned is a multifunctional covered arena, designed to host shows, congresses, fairs, cultural performances, and sporting competitions. The contractual model establishes a minimum capacity of 10,000 people, with the reference project planning for 15,075 spectators on the floor, complemented by 138 boxes. The arena would include food areas, support spaces for artists, and a reversible stage, usable both internally and during events held in the park's open area.
Additionally, the plan includes an external square of 14.6 thousand square meters, which will feature trees, kiosks, gastronomic options, a playground, an outdoor gym, and a dedicated pet area. The current exhibition site, which has already hosted events such as Ribeirão Rodeo Music and João Rock Festival, will undergo significant improvements in electrical power, water, and sewage systems, in addition to receiving lighting, paving, drainage, accessibility, and new access points. The proposal also includes the reorganization of parking lots and event setup and operation zones.
What remains for the population and the City Hall
According to the proposed model, the external square must remain open to the public free of charge every day, between 8 am and 6 pm. However, this rule does not guarantee free and unrestricted access to the arena or other sections of the complex.
The studies indicate that the City Hall will have the possibility to use, without rental costs, one day per year in the arena and three days in the exhibition park. Expenses related to events held on these dates would be the responsibility of the municipality. The company that wins the competition will also pay the City Hall a fixed fee, with a minimum stipulated value of R$ 1,049,168.54. There is also a variable fee, limited to 3% of the annual net revenue. At the end of the 35-year concession, the park will return to the municipality's possession.
How much will be invested
The economic-financial study details the initially projected R$ 134.8 million across three distinct components: R$ 101.3 million allocated to the construction of the multifunctional arena; R$ 24 million for the modernization and renovation of the exhibition park; and R$ 9.5 million for the implementation of the external square. In addition to this amount, the studies project an additional R$ 44.6 million in improvements and equipment replacement over the 35 years, raising the total estimated cost to R$ 179.4 million. The secretary clarified that this investment will be made by the company selected as the winner of the concession.
In return, the concessionaire will have permission to exploit the complex commercially, covering events, space rentals, parking services, food, and other activities provided for in the contract.
When can the works begin
Currently, there is no defined date for the start of the works, as the project is in the preparatory phase of the concession. After receiving the consortium's studies, the City Hall held a public hearing on October 16 to discuss the proposal. According to Mião, the collected suggestions will be analyzed before the process advances to the Municipal Attorney's Office. Subsequently, the City Hall plans to submit a bill to the Chamber to authorize the concession, which will allow the opening of the bidding process to select the company responsible for the works and management of the space.
Mião reiterated the goal of publishing the public notice still in 2026. The City Hall foresees the delivery of the complex in 2028. However, the studies point out that the period between the project and the start of the arena construction could take about two years after the issuance of the contract start order, making the schedule dependent on approval by the Chamber, the bidding process, and the hiring of the concessionaire.
