FIFA and the government inspect construction projects in Porto Alegre.

Gabriel Fialho, World Cup Portal - The delegation from FIFA, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and the federal government began another tour of the 2014 World Cup stadiums, this time with their first stop at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre. During the event, the progress of the works at the arena was presented, which is almost 90% complete, according to the president of Internacional, Giovanni Luigi, the club that owns the venue for five World Cup matches in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

Urban mobility projects were also detailed in a presentation by the host city at the event center located next to the stadium. Before arriving at the venue, the delegation visited the Pinheiro Borda viaduct, where pre-cast concrete elements are being installed. This project is part of the Edevaldo Pereira Paiva Avenue project, which provides access to the arena and is being widened.

Another road leading to the stadium is Avenida Beira-Rio, which is undergoing renovations to accommodate the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. According to the Porto Alegre city hall, the projects surrounding the stadium for the World Cup are 70% complete and are expected to be finished by April 2014.

FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke praised the easy access to the stadium and said the timeline is not a concern. "We were here a year ago and today I see a job very well done. There is plenty of space around it, everything we need in a stadium. We have no concerns about the arena's construction, which will enter the finishing phase."

The FIFA official emphasized that, for the event, the important thing is that the work facilitating traffic between the airport, training centers, hotels, and the stadium is completed. "The most important thing for FIFA is that this access is good," said Valcke. "We are looking at whether there is enough space for everyone involved in organizing the event to work well. Visiting the cities is important to exert a certain amount of pressure, to show that we are monitoring everything and that we are not just sitting in Zurich," he said, referring to the organization's headquarters in Switzerland.

The Minister of Sport, Aldo Rebelo, expressed confidence in the completion of the projects and praised the joint effort of the local, state, and federal governments, as well as the club responsible for the arena. "I see the effort of the city and Internacional in delivering the stadium and urban mobility works. The federal government has been supportive and has been working alongside representatives of the local government, and I think we will make this an example for the World Cup."

Starters

On the stadium grounds, the more than 1.700 workers involved in the Beira-Rio renovation received symbolic tickets, allowing each of them to attend a World Cup match in Porto Alegre. The symbolic tickets were given to assembler Antônio da Graça and laborer Hozianos da Costa, representing their colleagues.

Originally from Maranhão, Antônio moved to Porto Alegre to work on the project and said it was thrilling to be alongside idols like former players Bebeto and Ronaldo, members of the COL's Board of Directors. "I was a little nervous because it was the first time I'd been next to a famous player," he joked. Hozianos, from Pernambuco, highlighted his happiness at being able to contribute to the project. "Just having helped build the stadium is a great joy."

University

Upon entering the Beira-Rio pitch, the delegation observed that the metal structure of the roof is in its final stages of assembly. Soon, the membrane that will cover the "roof" will begin to be installed. The material was manufactured in Germany and has already been shipped to Brazil. "The roof assembly is on schedule. Part of the membrane has been shipped and should arrive in 10 days. By November 30th, we will have everything ready in this regard," stated the president of Internacional.

Giovanni Luigi assured that the club will have a grand celebration for the reopening of the stadium. "I am certain that we will have everything ready by December 31st, and Internacional should begin its matches in the Gaúcho championship in January. For the inauguration festivities, we will have an opponent worthy of the stature of the stadium and the club."

The 105m x 68m field has its Bermuda Tif Grand grass planting completed and the markings made. Ronaldo and Bebeto praised the field and recalled when they played at Beira-Rio. "I liked playing here. It's always been a very good field. I stayed here with the national team, we trained and received a lot of affection," said Bebeto.

"The pitch was exceptional, I agree with Bebeto, it was the best pitch in Brazil. We saw that it's now planted and firm. I also want to highlight the work done in the surrounding area, which is important and will be a legacy for the population," Ronaldo added.

Approximately 1.500 of the arena's nearly 50,000 seats have been installed. The 14 access towers have been completed, and the 130 VIP boxes are in the finishing stages. A parking garage with 3,000 spaces is also under construction.