Smart Arena Entertainment S.A. opens its capital to international investors and partners with leading brands to develop Smart Arena Net Zero

Sports Venue Business recently spoke with Walter Ayala, President & Founder of Smart Arena Entertainment S.A., about Smart Arena Net Zero, the company’s decision to open its capital to international investors, and the development of a sustainable entertainment district in the heart of South America.

Sports Venue Business (SVB): Smart Arena Net Zero has generated strong interest across the industry. Where does the project stand today?

Walter Ayala:

We are at a decisive stage. Smart Arena Entertainment S.A. is entering a new phase, and we have decided to open our capital to international investors in order to move decisively into execution. We are currently supported by leading brands and strategic partners, which allows us to structure the project with clarity, strength, and a long-term vision.

SVB: What differentiates Smart Arena Net Zero from other arena developments in the region?

Walter Ayala:

Smart Arena Net Zero is much more than an arena. It is a Net Zero, sustainable, technological and innovative project, conceived from the outset under ESG principles. It integrates clean and renewable energy, efficient waste management, sustainable mobility, green areas and technology-driven solutions applied to both operations and the fan experience.

Its strategic location near the Paraguay River, combined with the country’s predominantly clean energy matrix, reinforces a proposal aligned with international standards and presents a clear regional opportunity.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with a focus on elevating the live experience through pillars including Commercialisation, Sustainability and Premium Experience – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd. The event will commence with an Opening Night Icebreaker at Liverpool FC’s iconic Anfield stadium on September 30th.

SVB: How is this vision being translated into execution?

Walter Ayala:

The project is structured in phases. Music House is the first step, a smaller-scale venue that serves as the operational foundation of the Smart Arena model. It allows us to validate operations, programming, and audience experience, reduce risk, and prepare the path toward the development of the main arena.

SVB: What role does urban development play within the project?

Walter Ayala:

It plays a central role. Smart Arena Entertainment S.A. is also a strategic real estate development, linked to the creation of an integrated entertainment district around the arena, where the venue functions as an urban anchor.

The extensive land holdings associated with the project enable long-term development with mixed uses, services, experiences, green spaces and new infrastructure, positioning entertainment as a real engine for territorial and economic development.

SVB: What type of investors are you looking to bring on board at this stage?

Walter Ayala:

We are seeking international investors and strategic partners who share the project’s Net Zero vision and understand the value of a solid, scalable initiative with regional impact. Smart Arena Entertainment S.A. represents a platform for those who want to actively participate in the development of sustainable entertainment in South America, alongside top-tier partners.

 

SVB: How do you support the project’s viability for potential investors?

Walter Ayala:

The project’s viability is supported by a comprehensive feasibility study prepared by an international consulting firm, which analyses the economic, financial, operational and strategic aspects of Smart Arena Net Zero, including its phased development and associated real estate component.

This is further strengthened by the current national context. Paraguay has achieved investment-grade status, maintains a stable currency, demonstrates sustained regional growth, offers competitive tax conditions and provides a legal framework that encourages foreign investment, tourism and entertainment development.

Additionally, Paraguay currently lacks a large-scale indoor arena, and neither the country nor the immediate region has a venue of this nature located in the heart of South America, with direct influence over markets such as Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia.

Our ambition is clear: to generate value—economic, urban, social, and environmental—and to invite partners to be part of the creation of a solid entertainment district, built with a long-term vision and real transformative capacity.

SVB: Finally, how would you define the purpose of Smart Arena Net Zero?

Walter Ayala:

Smart Arena Net Zero is our purpose and our legacy for future generations. It is a purpose-driven venue, conceived through sustainability and regeneration, designed to demonstrate that arenas can foster culture, new habits and responsible leisure, while naturally coexisting with world-class entertainment experiences.

We firmly believe that entertainment can be profitable, innovative and responsible at the same time. Smart Arena Net Zero is not just an arena—it is a regenerative development platform, created to leave a lasting positive impact and position Paraguay as a regional benchmark in sustainable entertainment.

For further information, go to: https://smartarena.com.py/ or contact Walter at the below:

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