Rio’s world-famous Maracana stadium re-opens on Saturday after nearly three years of renovation to prepare it for the World Cup finals in 2014.
An exhibition match between teams of stars past and present, captained by Ronaldo and Bebeto, is being played before some 30,000 spectators, BBC reports.
However, the re-opening follows controversy over delays, costs and the future privatisation of the site.
The renovation has been completed four months behind schedule.Days before the test event, seats were still being installed and pavements laid near the venue.
Spectators at the stadium will include thousands of the construction workers involved in the project, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes.
Only a third of the stands are being used at the venue, which will soon have a capacity of 80,000.
According to the Brazilian government’s World Cup website, 32 players and former players have said they will take part in the match, including nine Brazilian World Cup winners.
Aldair, Zetti, Jorginho, Mauro Silva, Ricardo Rocha and Edilson are among those said to have confirmed.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Rio Maracana stadium in Brazil to re-open after renovation
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