Brazil's Maracana Stadium To Reopen For Guided Tours Ahead Of 2014 World Cup

Brazil's "iconic Maracana stadium has reopened to tourists," more than four months after ending a three-year, $500M facelift, according to XINHUA. Officials on Monday said that "guided tours lasting an hour allow fans access to the pitch, dressing rooms, VIP boxes and other areas of the 'inner sanctum.'" Visitors will "also pass through a 750 square meters hall featuring memorabilia, photos and exhibits, including a statue of Zico" and a bust of Garrincha (XINHUA, 10/14). LA AFICION reported the Maracana, the host of the 1950 World Cup final, "opening to tours will add another tourist attraction to the city of Rio de Janeiro." Historian Bruno Lucena, who is charged with guiding visits, said that "a place as important to the history of football as the Maracana should be open to visitors." Prices for the tours range from $7-$14. Students in "Rio de Janeiro's public schools will get free tours one day per week if they schedule in advance" (LA AFICION, 10/14).