The Rio de Janeiro state government "has donated part of the approximately" 85,000 chairs removed from the Maracanã Stadium to the stadiums of first, second and third division football clubs. In all, 37,100 chairs "have been delivered." Some of the chairs were also reused for the "refurbishment of sport gymnasiums and municipal stadiums." The Maracanã, which is going through renovations ahead of the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, is recycling 75% of the demolition materials. Rio de Janeiro State Secretary of Sport and Leisure Marcia Lins said, "The donations perpetuate the history of our dear Maracanã. Clubs from several municipalities and of all of the state's football divisions were considered. In addition, other materials such as wire fences, reinforcing bar, sinks and toilet seats were donated to the Riosolidário NGO" (COPA2014.gov.br, 7/2).
NEW TURF: Following the charity tennis match between the top two players in the world, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Real Madrid will "begin work on returfing the Santiago Bernabéu pitch." Due to the "hard wear" from the long season along with the Bernabéu becoming a "huge event venue" since the season ended, the grass will have to be replaced so that the field is "in perfect condition for the start of the season" (MARCA, 7/2).
BREAKING RECORDS: A record rugby crowd turned out for the third and final Test of the Castrol EDGE Wales Tour between Qantas Wallabies and Six Nations champion at Wales' Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The 42,889 fans eclipsed the previous record of 41,917 set in '94 when the Wallabies took on the All Blacks (Qantas Wallabies).
