Rio's Stadium Faces Years-Long Closure for Renovation

Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium will close for nearly 2 and a half years for renovations ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Its capacity will be slashed from about 175,000 to about 86,000. [Note: an earlier version of this post indicated that the seating would be reduced to 56,000, which, from what I can tell, is incorrect. Documents from Brazil's 2007 inspection report indicate the stadium will hold roughly 86,000. -NB 7/19/10]

To prepare for Maracana's starring role when Brazil plays host to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee and FIFA want a stadium with fewer seats and more exits. The new Maracana also will be the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Olympics.

The stadium will be closed for about 2 ½ years, but the renovation must be finished before Brazil plays host to the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013.

Brazilian icon faces makeover
The Miami Herald
July 15, 2010

Brazil Eyes High Speed Rail Line

The Brazilian government is planning to build a high speed rail line to connect Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, its two largest cities. Construction of the line is not likely to be complete by 2014 when the country hosts the World Cup, but will probably be operational in time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The government will auction the concession for building the line this December.

The tender offer projects a total cost if 34.6 billion Brazilian reals ($19.5 billion) for the bullet train. Of this, BRL20 billion in financing will come from Brazil's National Development Bank, or BNDES, and BRL4 billion from import-export banks in supplier countries, leaving a little more than BRL10 billion for financing by private sources.

The auction will take place at Brazil's BM&FBovespa stock exchange in Sao Paulo on Dec. 16 and will be open to both domestic and foreign investors.

Brazil Sets Dec. 16 For Auction Of Bullet Train Concession
Automated Trader
July 13, 2010

German Firms Have Eye on Brazilian Infrastructure Projects Ahead of World Cup, Olympics

German companies are hoping to get in on the World Cup and Olympics infrastructure work in Brazil, according to Rainer Bruderle, Germany's minister for economics and technology.

Bruderle said the German firms were hoping to partner with Brazil in areas of infrastructure, organization and security.

"There is a large interest on the part of German businessmen in infrastructure work in Brazil, especially in relation to these big sporting events," Jorge said.

Germans look to Brazil World Cup, Olympics
USA Today
April 27, 2010

President Says Deadly Flooding Not an Issue for Brazil's Cup and Olympics

After heavy rainfall that caused the deaths of at least 81 people in Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tried to assure the world that such disasters would not stand in the way of Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup or the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Mudslides and severe flooding caused by heavy rain since late Monday claimed at least 81 lives in and around Rio de Janeiro, the authorities said Tuesday.

"It does not rain everyday. Neither are there quakes everyday in Chile and Haiti. Usually, the months of June and July (when the two major sporting events are set to take place) are calmer. Rio is ready to host the Olympic Games and the World Cup, the best the world has ever known," Lula said.

Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/317388,extra-lula-rules-out-rain-related-problems-in-world-cup-olympics.html#ixzz0kNst0Ghm

EXTRA: Lula rules out rain-related problems in World Cup, Olympics
Earth Times
April 6, 2010

Olympic Hopes Lost, Japan Still Eyes World Cup

Tokyo recently lost its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, but Japan still has its sights set on hosting either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

The JFA had planned to use the proposed 100,000-seater waterfront Olympic stadium had Tokyo won the 2016 Olympic vote. Yokohama, venue for the 2002 World Cup final, has Japan's biggest stadium with a capacity of 70,000.

JFA president Motoaki Inukai wants Tokyo -- which did not host matches at the 2002 tournament -- to stage the World Cup final.

Japan plans World Cup bid despite 2016 failure
ESPN
October 5, 2009

Obama's Chicago Roots May Help City Win 2016 Olympic Bid

President Barack Obama's cachet and Chicago roots may play a big role in securing the city as the host of the 2016 Olympics, according to Spain's International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior. But, he says, it will take more of a show of support than a simple photo op.

By mentioning the former leaders of Britain and Russia and linking them to the success of the bids for London 2012 and Sochi 2014, Samaranch made it clear that he believes it will take even Obama more than a photo and a couple of handshakes to get Chicago the Olympics.

At the IOC Assembly in Copenhagen on October 2 -- in the presence of Obama but also of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Spain's King Juan Carlos among others -- the 115 members of the committee will only be really moved by clear support for the bid, complete with full state backing and plenty of cash.

Source:
'Obama factor' might give Chicago Olympic edge
Mail & Guardian
May 5, 2009

Recession Weighs Heavily as Hopeful Hosts Convene in Denver

Olympic planners and hopeful representatives of prospective future host cities are in Denver this week for a conference on international sporting events. The downturn in the economy is a major focus of the meetings, especially for London, where the recession's timing has been unfortunate for the city's 2012 preparations.

The recession forms the backdrop to the SportAccord convention and International Olympic Committee executive board meetings in Denver, the biggest gathering of international sports officials in the United States since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which will feature key public presentations Wednesday by the four candidates for the 2016 Olympics -- Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. With six months to go before the Oct. 2 vote in Copenhagen, the cities are trying to position themselves as the most financially secure to cope with the downturn.

...

Despite the pressures, London organizers remain confident they will come within the overall 9.325 billion pound ($13.6 billion) budget for venues, infrastructure and regeneration. The figure is more than double the original estimate.

Source:
Recession forms backdrop of Olympic conference
Sports Illustrated
March 23, 2009