Record returns VIP box, sparking crisis at Mineirão stadium.
Other companies that purchased VIP boxes are also reportedly threatening to do the same. The main reason is the absence of Atlético-MG from games at the renovated stadium, which will limit the attractions to Cruzeiro and make the companies' investment less profitable. Before this, TV Globo and SporTV also expressed dissatisfaction with the press boxes and will broadcast the games from a separate location.
Minas 247 - The newly renovated Mineirão stadium was unveiled on December 21st, in a ceremony attended by President Dilma Rousseff (PT). The speeches that day exuded optimism, delivered by Dilma herself and Governor Antonio Anastasia (PSDB). But the reality, it seems, is far less rosy.
The latest controversy involves TV Record. They have already informed the administration of the stadium renovated for the 2014 World Cup that they will return the VIP box they purchased. Worse, other companies that also acquired VIP boxes are reportedly doing the same. If this is confirmed, it represents a real threat to the Minas Arena consortium, which renovated the stadium and will be managing the Mineirão – one of the consortium's main sources of income is precisely the sale of VIP boxes to companies.
The main reason for the sudden disinterest will be the absence of Atlético-MG games at the new Mineirão stadium. Ronaldinho Gaúcho's team signed a contract last year with BWA, the administrator of the Independência stadium, which was also renovated. According to the agreement, the team's games will be played at the Horto stadium. Without Atlético-MG, the attractions at Mineirão will be limited to Cruzeiro games, making investment in the VIP boxes a riskier business, maintaining the price but with fewer events than expected. Add to this the fact that Atlético is competing in the Copa Libertadores this year, which would certainly attract a lot of attention to the companies' VIP boxes.
The controversies had already begun earlier, albeit in reverse. Dissatisfied with the conditions of the press boxes set up at Mineirão stadium, TV Globo decided to buy private boxes to broadcast the games independently. SporTV, from the same group, will also use Globo's private box.