Highlighting once again the sheer spread of sporting infrastructure development occurring right around Brazil, a report this week has detailed how over R$250 million that is not directly linked to World Cup 2014 preparations is being spent on other facilities across the country.
According to the report, by Brazil´s Folha.com site, at least five non-2014 Cup host cities {Vitória (ES), São Luís (MA), Maceió (AL), João Pessoa (PB) and Campina Grande (PB)} have already committed public funds to stadium projects, justifying the spend on the lure of hosting lead-up friendlies or becoming the base camp of one of the competing nations in 2014.
The spate of works is being called a new ´boom´ in Brazilian sporting infrastructure development, similar to what occurred in the 1970s when many of the country´s existing football stadia, including most of those currently being redeveloped, were erected.
Governments and private groups from hundreds of other Brazilian cities are also studying the best chances to attract tourism, sub-hosting and associated business opportunities stemming from the 2014 World Cup.