Packers Fans Should Feel Safe In São Paulo

There has been a lot of misinformation regarding how safe São Paulo actually is. In today’s article, I’m here to be straightforward and tell Packers fans why the team will be okay in Brazil. 

Packers running back Josh Jacobs recently appeared on Chris Long’s podcast, where they discussed the upcoming Packers vs. Eagles matchup in São Paulo. During the conversation, Jacobs mentioned that they were advised not to wear green. He speculated whether it had something to do with gangs, although that’s not true, and I will explain that shortly. He also mentioned that there’s a chance the team will not be allowed to leave their facilities once they arrive in São Paulo. Furthermore, he added, ‘The league is probably going to have armored vehicles following us.'”

The issue surrounding the color green arises from a local soccer rivalry. Corinthians, the team that plays at the stadium where the game will be held,shares a heated rivalry with Palmeiras, whose team sports the color green. During the announcement, a Corinthians representative humorously suggested that the teams should avoid wearing green. Yet, it’s commonly accepted that, given the uniqueness of this occasion, Corinthians and their supporters will extend equal respect to the visiting teams and its supporters. For example, Nigeria played at Corinthians Arena back in 2016 with an all green uniform during the Olympics.

São Paulo stands as a sprawling urban center, among the world’s largest. Like many metropolises, it grapples with social inequality and crime. Visitors should be cognizant of this, much like individuals from smaller towns or cities across the globe would need to be extra cautious when navigating a bustling metropolis. While wearing green won’t draw undue attention, the inherent risks of urban environments, such as potential mugging, necessitate vigilance.

For affluent football players, it’s important to take extra precautions. Encouraging players to be cautious and utilize authorized transportation is reasonable. However, advising against wearing green is uncalled for, and the allusions to gangs only reinforce stereotypes and foster bias. 

Brazil is no stranger to hosting world-renowned sporting events and boasts the infrastructure necessary to accommodate visitors from around the globe. The country successfully hosted the Pan American Games in 2007, the Men’s FIFA World Cup in 2014, and the Olympics in 2016. Furthermore, it is slated to host the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2027. São Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil, offers all essential services, including law enforcement, hospitals, and transportation, operating around the clock. This won’t be the city’s first time handling such large-scale events.

A public security survey using data from the Ministry of Health, the Mortality Monitoring Panel of the Department of Health Surveillance and Environment (SVSA), and the 2022 Census from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, classified São Paulo as the second safest state in Brazil. Moreover, the state of São Paulo has 19 of the 50 safest cities in the country, according to a research conducted by a Brazilian company named Urban Systems. Additionally, in 2023, São Paulo recorded the lowest number of homicides in 23 years.

Furthermore, other American sports leagues have already held games in Brazil. For instance, the NBA has played games in Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its higher rates of violence compared to São Paulo, and all events proceeded smoothly. 

If you’re a Packers fan traveling from abroad to watch Green Bay kick off their season in São Paulo, you can never be too careful regarding your own safety. However, you should feel comfortable wearing green and exploring downtown without any major concerns. Just remember to be vigilant and ask for directions whenever you feel lost. Additionally, fans traveling from the United States can seek assistance from the Consulate General of the USA, located in São Paulo at 500 Henri Dunant Street, Santo Amaro, São Paulo – SP, Postal Code: 04709-110.