Paraguay is poised to make a significant impact on the global live entertainment landscape with its ambitious project, Smart Arena—a 15,000-capacity, state-of-the-art venue near the capital city of Asunción. This groundbreaking facility aspires to become the first carbon-neutral arena in South America, setting a new standard for sustainability in the region.
The Smart Arena will be part of a larger 14-acre entertainment complex that includes shopping centers, a museum, and recreational areas, offering the local community a vibrant hub for daily activities. Estimated at a cost of $200 million, the arena will be strategically located near the newly-built Héroes del Chaco Bridge, connecting Asunción with Nueva Asunción.
The visionary behind this project, event producer Walter Ayala, has been nurturing the idea of a modern, sustainable arena since 2017. With the backing of global private investors and the support of the Paraguayan government, Ayala founded Smart Arena Entertainment. The arena’s design phase has begun, in collaboration with HOK, an American architecture firm renowned for its expertise in designing world-class stadiums and arenas.
Ayala envisions construction starting in 2025, with the arena set to open its doors by October 2027. Once completed, Smart Arena will place Paraguay on the map as a premier destination for live entertainment in Latin America, nestled conveniently between Argentina and Brazil, two major tour stops for international artists.
The arena promises to offer top-tier amenities, including premium sound systems and exclusive suites and boxes. Naming rights for the venue are still under negotiation, with a focus on partnering with companies that share the vision of combating climate change and maintaining a Net Zero commitment.
“I’m excited and pleased to have such international support on this iconic project in Paraguay,” Ayala said. “We want to make this the first net zero arena in the region and an example for the world. For our country, it is an important project because it will put us on the international map for the biggest concerts.”
Ayala, with over 25 years of experience in the live entertainment industry, understands the critical need for an indoor venue in Paraguay. The region’s reliance on outdoor soccer stadiums for concerts often leads to cancellations due to unpredictable weather, resulting in financial losses for promoters. Smart Arena is set to solve this infrastructure problem, enabling Paraguay to host major global acts and attract more tourists.
The arena’s design will draw inspiration from Paraguay’s Chaco region, known for its unique wildlife and cultural significance. Ayala plans to incorporate elements from the Chaco into the venue’s architecture, using the region’s trees and leaves as a design motif. “The Chaco is very important to me and my country,” Ayala explained, noting that it represents renewal and resilience.
Smart Arena is not just a venue; it’s a symbol of Paraguay’s economic growth and commitment to sustainability. The World Bank notes that Paraguay has outpaced the regional average in economic growth over the past two decades, driven by exports in agriculture, livestock, and hydropower. Fittingly, the arena will contribute to the ecosystem, not harm it.
“Our commitment is a patriotic one, and I say this from my heart: this will generate tremendous social impact,” Ayala said. “We will have more than 1,000 new jobs and a social responsibility to collaborate with all the surrounding cultures and communities to show them sustainable practices.”
Looking to the future, Ayala hopes that Smart Arena will serve as a legacy for the next generation—a place where people can gather, enjoy cultural events, and learn about sustainability. “This is our legacy for future generations. We want to leave an arena that is 100% sustainable where younger people can go walk and ride a bike and later watch a show—things we don’t have in our country at the moment.”
As Paraguay steps onto the global stage with Smart Arena, it is not only embracing the future of entertainment but also leading by example in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Source: VenuesNow
