AEG Facilities was named operator of 2014 FIFA World Cup venue Arena da Baixada, announced Clube Atlético Paranaense at a press conference in Brazil. The 46,000-seat multi-purpose stadium located in Brazil’s south region in Curitiba is home to Clube Atlético Paranaense of the Brazilian Football League.
“AEG Facilities is an outstanding partner for Atlético Paranaense. Their management and event programming expertise will provide Arena da Baixada and the city of Curitiba a diverse lineup of sports, musical and cultural entertainment that will bring years of success to our multi-functional complex and community,” said Mario Celso Petraglia, Presidente do Clube Atlético Paranaense.
Under the new partnership, AEG Facilities will operate the multi-purpose, retractable-roof stadium that is currently under renovation and will be completed in June 2013. In addition to the soccer stadium, AEG Facilities will operate Arena Olympico, a 10,000-seat multi-purpose indoor companion arena that will open in 2015.
“We are thrilled and honored to support Atlético Paranaense’s rich and long standing tradition of success, both in Brazil and internationally,” said AEG Facilities President Bob Newman. “Curitiba is one of South America’s most dynamic sports and entertainment markets, and we look forward to being a partner of the Curitiba community as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup.”
Arena da Baixada is one of 12 planned host venues that will be upgraded or constructed for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which will be the first World Cup in Brazil in 60 years, and the first staged in South America since the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.