Maracana gets green light for new roof

By David Gold

April 13 – The Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro has been given the green light for a new roof as part of its renovation ahead of the Brazil 2014 World Cup and 2016 Rio de JaneiroOlympic Games.

The famous ground is one of the world’s greatest and most iconic sport venues, and is set to host the World Cup final as well as both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Games, in addition to a number of that tournament’s football matches.

It was reported recently that problems with the existing roof at the Maracana would cost more to fix than putting in place a new roof, and so the current structure will be demolished.

The Rio de Janeiro state body have now granted permission for the new roof to ensure that the stadium meets requirements, which FIFA stipulate as meaning that all tribunes at grounds are covered.

This was not the case at the Maracana, and the problems with the roof mean that the stadium will now cost almost one-third more than it was initially, at £390 million.

Last week officials in Rio announced that 3,500 new workers had been hired to ensure the stadium, due for completion in December 2012, is finished on time.

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