Brazil’s historic Maracana stadium will get a facelift for 2014 World Cup

Brazil stadium gets facelift for 2014 World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Brazil will spend $280 million to renovate Maracana Stadium, closing the historic venue next year to spruce up the centerpiece of the 2014 World Cup.

Opened for the 1950 World Cup, Maracana is expected to be reopened in December 2012, government officials said Thursday. The facade will remain, although a roof will be added to the five-story structure.

Originally built to hold 200,000, the present capacity will be reduced from 87,000 to 82,000 at the recommendation of FIFA, the world governing body of soccer.