[PHOTOS] All The 12 Host Stadiums For The 2014 FIFA World Cup In Brazil
The World Cup is coming! We compile a list of all the stadiums that are part of 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
By Farouq Johari — 09 Apr 2014, 01:07 AM — Updated almost 10 years ago
Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo And Porto Alegre are all set to be part of the 12 hosts for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
1. Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
Once the largest stadium in the world, packing in crowds of up to 200,000 – among the highest attendances ever seen in the history of the game – the Maracana now has a reduced capacity of 73,531 for Brazil 2014. It remains, nevertheless, the country’s biggest football ground.
Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and was considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world.
Image via manipurupdate.comThe Rio de Janeiro stadium will be in the limelight at Brazil 2014, hosting seven games in all, more than any other venue. Among those matches will be the Final on 13 July.
2. Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
The first capital city in Brazil’s history, Salvador will welcome the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil at a new, purpose-built stadium with a capacity of 52,048. The new arena will host six games at the tournament and has been constructed on the site of the Fonte Nova.
Maintaining the proud tradition of the Fonte Nova, the new stadium will host four group matches, three of them featuring top-seeded teams, as well as a Round-of-16 match and a quarter-final tie.
3. Arena Amazonia, Manaus
The city is situated at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world and the inspiration for the refurbished stadium, which will be enclosed by a metal structure designed to resemble a straw basket, a product the region is famous for. Arena Amazonia was previously known as Estadio Vivaldao.
Seating for 42,377 spectators, the Arena Amazonia will feature restaurants and underground parking and will be served by dedicated bus and monorail services. The venue for four group-phase matches at Brazil 2014, the stadium will continue to attract tourists after the tournament by hosting concerts and cultural events.
4. Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia
5. Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
One of the most historic venues in Brazilian football and called home by Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro, both former national champions, the 57,483 capacity Estadio Mineirao has undergone a complete overhaul prior to hosting six matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup - including one semi-final.
6. Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Ever since it was inaugurated back in 1972, the Estadio Joao Claudio de Vasconcelos Machado – better known as the Machadão – has welcomed the biggest clashes in Natal football to the Lagoa Nova neighbourhood. The three leading teams in Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte state, are ABC, Alecrim and America, who last appeared in Brazil’s top flight – Serie A – in 1985, 1986 and 2007 respectively.
However, in order for Natal to become one of the 12 Host Cities at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a bigger and more modern venue was required. The solution settled upon was to completely demolish both the Machadão and the neighbouring Humberto Nesi sports hall, known as the Machadinho.
Rising up on the site is the Estadio das Dunas stadium project, with its name relating to the sand dunes that are one of the most impressive natural attractions in the Natal region.
7. Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Built in 1973 and officially known as the Estadio Governador Placido Castelo, the Castelao is home to the city’s two biggest clubs, Ceara and Fortaleza and has been entirely renovated to host matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Estadio Castelao was previously known as Estadio Governador Placido Castelo.
Image via megaengenharia.blogspot.comAs well as having its capacity increased to 58,704, the revamped stadium will boast an underground car park with 1,900 spaces, executive boxes, a VIP area, media centre, mixed zone and fully refurbished dressing rooms.
8. Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
The largest football ground in the south of Brazil and nicknamed the “Gigante do Beira-Rio” (The Giant of Beira-Rio), the stadium is officially known as the Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda and was opened in 1969.
Estadio Beira-Rio was previously known as Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda and opened in 1969.
Image via www.skyscrapercity.coThe venue of many a thrilling city derby and no fewer than four Copa Libertadores finals, the stadium is now preparing to host five games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, among them a Round-of-16 tie.
9. Arena Pernambuco, Recife
Recife, a city whose passion for the beautiful game is without question, is home to three historic Brazilian clubs in the shape of Nautico, Santa Cruz and Sport. And, having already hosted one match at the 1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil (Chile’s 5-2 win over USA at the Ilha do Retiro stadium), the city has gained a brand-new arena in time to host five matches at Brazil 2014.
With room for 42,849 spectators and constructed by means of a partnership between the public and private sector, the Arena Pernambuco now hosts Nautico’s games – following the agreement reached with the club in October 2011.
10. Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
Especially built for Brazil 2014 – when it will host four matches – the Arena Pantanal will boast a capacity of 42,968 and will occupy the site where the Estadio Jose Fragelli used to be.
This multi-purpose stadium will have an adaptable structure, which can be reduced in size once Brazil 2014 is over.
11. Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This long-yearned for dream of the Corinthians faithful will finally come true ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in the shape of the Arena de Sao Paulo. Under construction in the neighbourhood of Itaquera, which is in the city’s Eastern Zone and a traditional Corintianos stronghold, the project is scheduled to be completed by early 2014.
The Arena de Sao Paulo has been chosen to host the Opening Match of Brazil 2014 and will also welcome five other encounters, including one semi-final.
12. Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
Ever since renovation works, the capacity of the stadium has increased to 40,000. The historic Estadio Joaquim Americo – better known as the Arena da Baixada – has been considered one of Brazil’s most modern and best-appointed stadiums.
It came as no surprise, therefore, that the home ground of Atletico Paranaense, which was originally constructed back in 1914, was among those venues chosen to host games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The stadium set to welcome four matches at Brazil 2014.
