The Athletic Club has officially announced a temporary relocation of its home matches for the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B due to renovation works at their home ground, the Arena Sicredi. The confirmation came on Saturday, March 22, 2025, through a public statement by the club, which is based in São João del-Rei.
As the Athletic prepares for its inaugural journey in the Serie B, they will play their initial matches at the Arena Independência in Belo Horizonte. The decision was made with the goal of ensuring that fans continue to have thrilling experiences while the club's primary stadium undergoes essential modernization.
In the club's statement, they noted, “We know how much playing in São João del-Rei makes a difference. Feeling the warmth that comes from the stands, the city breathing football, is something that drives us. But this temporary pause is for a greater reason: to prepare our house for a new chapter, with even better infrastructure for the fans and for the team. Soon we will be back with the Arena Sicredi ready to live great stories with us.”
The club, ranked among Brazil's professional teams, is gearing up for a competitive season in Série B, which begins next month. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) detailed the schedule for the first three rounds of the league on the same day as the announcement.
The opening match for the Athletic will be an away game against Atlético-GO on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 19:00 in the Antônio Accioly Stadium located in Goiânia. The team will then have their first match in Belo Horizonte during the second round against CRB on Sunday, April 13, at 16:00 at the Arena Independência.
After encountering CRB, the Athletic's next challenge is against Criciúma. This match is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 20:00 at the Heriberto Hulse Stadium in Criciúma, Santa Catarina.
The Athletic Club's initiative to modernize their home ground shows their commitment to fans and future opportunities for improvement and performance. As they prepare to enhance their facilities, the excitement around the upcoming season is palpable among the supporters eager for the team’s journey in Série B.
Furthermore, while the current situation sees them starting away from their home turf, the club's long-term vision reflects in every step they take to ensure a massively upgraded Arena Sicredi. It’s clear that the Athletic sees this as a worthwhile investment for their players and fans alike.
As the league approaches, both players and supporters are ready to rally behind the Athletic, regardless of the temporary circumstances. The anticipation builds up not only for the games ahead but also for the eventual return to their revitalized home stadium, promising to enhance the sporting experience for everyone involved.
In essence, this temporary relocation is not just a logistical decision but a strategy aimed at fortifying the club’s foundation for years to come. Each match this season will be a chapter in the Athletic’s unfolding story of resilience and ambition.
