It`s cost a lot of money, taken a long time, the roof has collapsed in the process and with only days to go they are apparently still putting the finishing touches on the media centre and the VIP rooms.
Undoubtedly the Arena Corinthians, or Itaquerão, has had a troubled beginning.
Host to a number of
matches in São Paulo, most of the stadium shots seen so far in the media have focused on the somewhat awkward-looking temporary stands which are due to be removed after the world cup and the lack of roof coverage which although part of the original plans is not an official Fifa requirement nor is it a fixture on many other world cup stadia.
However, if you stop to look past its troubled construction and have a look inside, it is clear Arena
Corinthians is a top of the range stadium in every sense. There are 10 escalators, 15 lifts, 2 ramps and 13 staircases. It comes complete with an Auditorium for 360 people, a convention center and 6 different changing rooms!
The São Paulo team
Corinthians, who will inherit it, have got themselves a flush building with some impressive features. Stairwells, concourses, corridors and rooms, everything is designed in the club colours of black and white.
Below are some choice photos of different areas which have not had a lot of exposure in the local or international press so far and which give an insight into what the day to day workings of the stadium will be like once operational.
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Main concourse area |
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Press room |
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Home changing rooms |
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Home changing rooms |
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Away changing rooms |
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Away changing rooms |
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Stairways |
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The view from the stands |