Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is being upgraded for the 2014 World Cup. Photo: Mark Chesnut |
PHOTOS, VIDEO & REPORT BY MARK CHESNUT
There’s no denying that soccer — futebol — is a national passion in Brazil. And the best place to tap into that excitement is Maracanã, the stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The 2014 World Cup will bring thousands of the world’s greatest soccer players — and their fans — to this giant stadium. To get ready for the big event, Maracaná Stadium is undergoing a massive upgrade.
I got a glimpse of the changes during my visit to the on-site visitors’ center — and you’ll see what’s in store in this EXCLUSIVE VIDEO.
Maracanã stadium was built originally for the 1950 World Cup. And today, some 5,200 people are working on the upgrade, which will bring about a number of changes.
A model in the visitors’ center gives an overall view of what the revamped stadium will look like. Most noticeable from above is the gigantic new, polycarbonate cover, which will shield all of the new seating from the elements. Seating, by the way, will be more comfortable, with the total number reduced to less than 80,000. And there will also be new entry and exit ramps for additional safety.
Spectators lucky enough to get into the VIP booths will have access to luxurious bars and lounges, as shown in this preview video.
From inside the Visitors’ Center, you can get a great view of the work being done. But that’s not all. The center has a permanent exhibit of soccer memorabilia and information that highlights the history of the sport. You can even compare your foot size to the prints of some of the world’s greatest players.
You’ll also see photos, videos, artwork and memorabilia that captures the excitement.
One thing is for sure: the emotion on display here at the Maracana Stadium visitor center is just a sample of what will be going on when the World Cup kicks off in 2014.
MORE TRAVEL NEWS & TIPS
• Rio, Recast: Brazil’s original jet-set destination prepares to become a global host (Latin Business Chronicle)
• Sheraton Hotels spending big bucks on global upgrades (Orbitz Travel Blog)
• Don’t miss a thing. Follow LatinFlyer on Twitter.