Football
ESPN staff 7y

Neglected Maracana to reopen in March after falling into disrepair

The Maracana stadium is due to reopen next month after falling into disrepair following the 2016 Olympic Games.

The legendary Rio venue was caught in a political dispute over maintenance following the games, but that has now been resolved.

It means the Maracana will host a match between Flamengo and Argentine club San Lorenzo in the Copa Libertadores on March 8.

But much work remains to be done before then, with the pitch in need of attention and repairs needed in the stands.

The stadium, which had been without electricity amid the dispute, also had the power turned back on after it was shut off for almost a month due to over $1 million in unpaid bills.

Rio's electricity utility on Thursday said power had been restored after the stadium operator paid 1.3 million reals ($430,000) in late bills from November through January. It was shut off on Jan. 26 in the dispute.

Maracana SA, a private consortium controlling the stadium, gave control of the venue to Olympic Games officials for an eight-month period that ended in October.

The venue is owned by the Rio state government, which has said Maracana SA is responsible for upkeep.

Two French organisations, Lagardere and GL Events, are in contention to take over the management of the Maracana.

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