Maracana Stadium, Brazil

The Maracana is an open-air stadium in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Named after the Maracana region, the stadium was built in 1950. It has hosted numerous football matches, including the final of the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

The stadium is owned by the Government of Rio de Janeiro. The stadium, which is the largest in South America, will undergo a comprehensive renovation programme ahead of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

The renovation project will begin in March 2010. Scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012, the project will cost $300m.

Existing structure

The Maracana was originally built using reinforced concrete. It has an oval shape and consists of two tiers divided by medium-sized open boxes. A cantilevered roof spanning 30m covers 34 rows at the rear of the stadium.

After its 50th anniversary in 2000, the stadium was renovated to increase its full capacity to nearly 103,000. The stadium remained closed for nine months between 2005 and 2006. When it reopened in January 2007, the all-seated capacity was 87,000.

Renovation plan / design

The renovation will focus on visibility, accessibility, safety and hospitality. While most of the stadium will be reformed, the original blue facade and the rear space of the stadium will be preserved. As per the recommendations of FIFA, the stadium's capacity will be reduced from the current 87,000 to 82,000. A roof to cover the entire public area will be added to the five-storey stadium.

The renovation will convert the Maracana into a multi-purpose arena complete with bars, restaurants and shops. To boost accessibility and security, four ramps will be constructed. Two existing ramps will also be reused. The upgrade will allow full evacuation of the stadium within 8min.

A new hospitality area will be constructed on the west side of the ground floor. Intended for athletes, media and guests of FIFA, the area will be equipped with locker rooms. Four of the locker rooms will be for athletes and referees. Rooms will have direct access to the field. Part of the hospitality area will have an auditorium. There will also be a common meeting area for athletes.

The north side of the stadium will be devoted to operational support services. The west side of the stadium's top ring will have 3,000 seats for the media. The area will be connected to the hospitality section via a lift. Two floors will feature 88 boxes, each measuring 50m² and with the capacity to accommodate up to 30 people. The boxes will have an attached private grandstand.

The region's northern area has also been earmarked for refurbishment. The Celio de Barros Stadium, a neighbouring stadium often used for international competitions, will be fitted with a 10ha centre for media and a 7,159m² broadcast compound. All the Maracana's seats will be replaced.

Parking facilities

Under FIFA regulations the stadium will require 14,000 parking spaces. Almost 1,000 parking spaces will be constructed at the stadium. The remaining spaces will provided in adjacent areas, including the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), military colleges and army land.

Finance

The renovation will be funded jointly by the National Bank for Economic Development (BNDES) and the State Government of Rio de Janeiro. BNDES will provide 75% of the cost, with the remaining money being sourced from the state government.