TopMenu

Maracana Stadium’s Condition Causing Concern

Maracana Stadium

As it deals with deteriorating conditions that have overtaken it in recent months, the shape and security of Maracana Stadium is becoming a major concern. 

One of Brazil’s most venerable venues, Maracana Stadium opened in 1950. It was in the spotlight for two major events in recent years, undergoing renovations for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. However, the stadium has gradually deteriorated since the last months of 2016, with maintenance to the pitch and other areas of the facility going largely unattended.

In turn, the lack of attention paid to the stadium is being cited as a factor in the number of materials that have been stolen from Maracana Stadium. Earlier this week, the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation said that it wants action to be taken to stop the stadium’s decline and prevent further damage from the facility. More from The Daily Mail:

O Globo said that windows inside the stadium were smashed, doors will not shut properly, and copper wiring has been stolen from walls and ceilings.

The Federation has arranged to meet with the city’s clubs on January 17 to discuss what to do about managing the stadium, but its president said more urgent action is required or that meeting will be too late.

‘If there is not an immediate government intervention to stop the looting and the destruction of the Maracana then it might not even be worth meeting on the 17th,’ Ruben Lopes said.

The ground, which also hosted the final match of the 1950 World Cup, was used by all of Rio’s big four teams, Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama, but has lain empty as clubs and authorities fight over who will manage it.

The Daily Mail’s story includes several images that document the condition of Maracana Stadium, including overgrown grass and dismantled seats.

Image: Maracana Stadium. 

,

August Publications