AEG to Operate 2014 World Cup Venue Arena da Baixada

AEG Facilities was named operator of 2014 FIFA World Cup venue Arena da Baixada, Clube Atlético Paranaense announced 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 twelve 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.

The Curitiba venue is the third Brazilian facility in the international sports, entertainment and venue organization’s worldwide portfolio. The Los Angeles-based company provides venue management and event programming support for the 45,000-seat Arena Pernambuco, also a 2014 World Cup venue, opening in April in Recife. In addition, AEG Facilities will operate São Paulo’s Nova Arena, opening in November 2013, and home to Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s most popular football clubs.

“Arena da Baixada and the accompanying indoor arena make up one of the most compelling venue projects in the world today and are truly multi-use venues,” said AEG Facilities Senior Vice President Chuck Steedman. “Not only is the arena a fantastic football venue, but with a retractable roof and 46,000 seats, it is a perfect venue any time of year for concerts, shows and other special events. The addition of the 10,000-seat indoor arena creates a tremendous venue package for the great market of Curitiba.”