Sun May 11 22:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Hulk Approves New Synthetic Pitch as Atlético Mineiro Prepares for Arena MRV Debut
**Belo Horizonte, Brazil –** Atlético Mineiro is set to debut its new European-imported synthetic pitch at the Arena MRV stadium in Belo Horizonte this weekend. After a five-month hiatus, the club has completed significant renovations, including acoustic improvements, enhanced security systems, and the installation of the much-anticipated synthetic turf.
Star striker Hulk, a fan favorite, expressed his positive surprise at the quality of the new playing surface after two training sessions. He described the pitch as unexpectedly playable and expressed excitement about playing at home again. “I was positively surprised,” Hulk stated. “I thought it would be harder, but it’s not so hard. I think it will be nice to play here, in our home.”
The game against Fluminense on Sunday at 5:30 PM marks not only the Arena MRV’s pitch debut but also Hulk’s return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension and recovering from a minor muscle injury. He stressed the importance of home advantage and urged Atlético fans to fill the stadium, noting that only around 20,000 tickets had been sold by Saturday afternoon.
“We need to create this identification with our fans, in our home, our arena, our pitch, so that everything works in favor of the best for Atlético here at home,” Hulk said. He highlighted the crucial role of the fans, calling them “another player” and emphasizing the need to start winning again after a recent loss. Hulk expressed his hope that Sunday’s match will see a full house at the Arena MRV for the first time this year.
First Piper 