摘要：Football is a recognized sport in Brazil as a cultural phenomenon and as a mobilizer of the economy by influencing several business segments. Considering this characteristic of the sport, this study aimed to identify the influence of the sports arenas of the main soccer clubs of São Paulo State, in the creation and survival of micro and small businesses in their environment. The arenas are: Corinthians Arena, Allianz Parque, Cícero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium and Urbano Caldeira Stadium. The research is qualitative, exploratory and ten owners of micro and small companies installed in surroundings of these arenas were interviewed. After transcribed, the data were categorized and analyzed according to the content analysis. The results indicate that the arena environment offers opportunities for small businesses, there is space for growth because they are considered places that welcome a significant number of people in different situations and the entrepreneur is fundamental to business survival.
