Although Curitiba is one of 12 Brazilian cities selected to host matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the city is earning praise for its distinctive, practical approach.
Infrastructure projects tied to major events often run over budget and behind schedule. Curitiba, however, has a long history of delivering ambitious plans efficiently and economically, and city officials aim to maintain that record for the World Cup.
Among the preparations is the renovation of Arena da Baixada, a 42,000-seat stadium and home to Atlético Paranaense. This upgrade is reportedly the most cost-effective of the World Cup venues. Planned improvements include a retractable roof, solar panels to generate power for the stadium and nearby areas, and a rainwater-harvesting system to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.
FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke has warned that Brazil’s World Cup preparations need significant improvement, but he singled out Curitiba as a positive example. Valcke expressed confidence that the city would be ready to welcome international visitors for the tournament.
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