Moving to Brazil’s north-eastern corner, at a latitude equivalent to northern Papua New Guinea, the city of Forteleza should be one of the 2014 World Cup’s most visited locations not only because of the matches it will host but also thanks to both its strategic position close to Europe and tourist-friendly tropical beach setting.
The capital of the state of Ceará, Forteleza (translated ‘Fortress’) has Brazil’s fifth highest population at just over 2.5 million, with 3.4 million in the metropolitan region. The city’s 15 municipal beaches sport plenty of kiosks and restaurants plus the all-important on-beach service. The average temperature is almost unchanging year round at 27-28 degrees, with the main weather pattern involving strong rains and humidity in the first half of the year and a dry second half.
In terms of World Cup preparations relevant for Australian expertise, the refurbishment of the city’s main sporting facility, Castelão stadium, will be at the heart of activities. Officially known as Plácido Aderaldo Castelo Stadium, but affectionately labelled Castelão (big castle), the 37 year old venue has already been renovated once, in 2002, and the latest upgrade aims to prepare the stadium to bid for a 2014 Cup semi-final match.
Currently owned by the Ceará state government, which will remain the stadium manager, the 60,326 seat facility will be expanded to hold 66,700 according to the project of Sao Paulo’s Vigliecca Associados. The renovation, which will be realised through a public private partnership, was initially budgeted at R$487 million, however this looks set to fall to around R$450 million following the tender process, which has officially concluded but is subject to a re-examination with one of the losing bidders questioning the winning proposal – a decision is expected within weeks.
The stadium surrounds will also undergo significant modification and gain a new building to house the state sport department, at a cost of an additional R$136 million. Other private developments expected include a shopping centre, cinemas, restaurants and a hotel.
Despite the controversy involving the winning stadium construction tender, December 2012 remains the predicted finish date for all works.