A series of "giant lozenge-like structures are rising" from a construction site in Barra da Tijuca, Brazil, according to Joe Leahy of the FINANCIAL TIMES. The three arenas, known as Carioca 1, 2 and 3, will "stage events ranging from basketball to wrestling" during the 2016 Olympics. Unlike the nation’s "frenzied last-minute preparations" for the 2014 World Cup, the atmosphere at the Olympic Park, which also includes an aquatic stadium, tennis arena, velodrome and other facilities, is "almost relaxed." Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said that not only are the projects running on time, but they are within budget -- "unlike for the World Cup in which costly blowouts sparked mass protests" in '13 against the event. Paes said that the "secret is heavy private sector funding" for the Olympics and the use of a "number of innovative techniques including temporary stadiums that can be dismantled and turned into other public facilities such as schools after the games." Paes: “I see the Olympics as a political event. For me, the event is to show that here we can also do things on time and leave a legacy.” The total bill associated with the games is R$38.2B ($10B), of which R$24.6B ($6.5B) is for “legacy” projects -- "independent public works inspired by the games, such as rapid bus-transit lanes, a metro line, and a revamp of the derelict port district." Another R$7B ($1.85B) are the costs of the Games’ organizing committee and R$6.6B ($1.75B) are the Olympic venues. The mayor said that the private sector "is funding two-thirds of the costs of the venues." The government, meanwhile, is "providing public land for the athletes’ village, the Olympic Park and other facilities." Paes argues that the city government is "spending less on venues than London and Tokyo." Citing the polls that show public support of the event, Paes said, "Why are the games not unpopular? Because there is no scandal ... everything is being done in a modest way" (FT, 11/10).
