© AFP
As the countdown continues to the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™,
the latest venue has been unveiled by the host nation. On Sunday 9
March, a quarter-final clash in the Copa Verde (a competition for clubs
from Brazil’s
northern region) between Amazonas side Nacional and Para outfit Remo
was the setting for the inauguration of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.
With
a capacity of 40,000 for World Cup games, the venue will host four
group-stage fixtures: the eagerly awaited clash of England and Italy in
Group D on 14 June; the meeting of Croatia and Cameroon in Group A on 18
June; USA versus Portugal in Group G on 22 June, as well as
Switzerland-Honduras in Group E three days later.
While
yesterday’s 2-2 draw and consequent elimination from the competition
was not the result Nacional supporters were hoping for, there was the
consolation of now having an ultra-modern stadium with levels of safety,
convenience and spectator comfort to rival some of the finest venues in
the world.
It is also a stadium inspired
by Amazonian traditions, its outer shell resembling a straw basket
typical of the region. Then there are the seats, coloured in shades of
yellow, orange and coral, to represent the diversity of fruits
indigenous to the Amazon.
The importance
placed on spectator comfort is evident both in the stadium’s design and
choice of materials. For example, a special skin on the roof membrane
allows a high degree of heat absorption, ensuring the temperature inside
the stadium is lower than that outside.
from FIFA / FlagWigs.com
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