CUIABA,BRAZIL (WORLD CUP 2014)

Key facts

Club: Mixto EC and Cuiabá EC | Opening: 2014 | Capacity: 28,000 seats (World Cup: 43,000 seats)

Description

The Arena Pantenal was built to serve as the playing venue of the city of Cuiabá for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It replaced the old Estádio José Fragelli (Verdão), which used to be the principal football stadium of the city.

Verdão got demolished in 2010, and works on the new stadium commenced later that year. Subsequent delays have pushed back completion repeatedly and late 2013 it was communicated that the stadium would not be ready before the official deadline. It is now expected to be completed in January 2014.

The Arena Pantanal will have a capacity of 43,000 seats for the World Cup, but about 15,000 seats will be removed after the tournament, which will result in a final capacity of 28,000 seats. This will be achieved by dismantling the upper parts of both ends.

The architects GCP Arquitetos have focused strongly on sustainability and one of the stadium’s noticeable features are the plants and trees that will fill the four corner areas.

During the 2014 World Cup, the Arena Pantanal will host a total of four group matches. Following completion, the stadium will become the permanent home of local sides Mixto EC and Cuiabá EC.