Recife, a city whose passion for the beautiful game is without question, is home to three historic Brazilian clubs in the shape of Nautico, Santa Cruz and Sport. And, having already hosted one match at the 1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ (Chile’s 5-2 win over USA at the Ilha do Retiro stadium), the city is set to gain a brand-new arena in time to host five matches at Brazil 2014.
The Arena Pernambuco, which will be part of a complex also featuring restaurants, shopping centres and cinemas, will be located in Sao Lourenco da Mata in Recife’s metropolitan zone, just 19km away from Guararapes International Airport. The project is seen as an economic catalyst for the continued expansion of Grande Recife, within an area which is considered to be economically deprived. It is also estimated that the area will expand into a neighbourhood including nearly 5,000 homes.
With room for 43,921 spectators and constructed by means of a partnership between the public and private sector, the Arena Pernambuco will be ready to host Nautico’s games as of June 2013 – following the agreement reached with the club in October 2011.
