Maracana hosts first test event, seven weeks before Confederations Cup

The renovated Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) held its first event on the 25/04/2013, after two years and seven months of works, costing €470 million. The event was a friendly match between friends of Brazilian former internationals, Ronaldo and Bebeto.

25,000 people attended the match, including 8,000 workers who participated in the project and Dilma Rousseff, President of the Brazilian Republic. Rousseff's visit was intended "to check that the teams, facilities and infrastructure before the stadium operates at full capacity" according to Rio's state government.

Problems with the stadium's elevators and toilet facilities were highlighted, whilst large panels cover the areas still under construction, noted the AFP.

Two other test events are scheduled before the Confederations Cup begins on the 15/06/2013. The first event is on the 15/05/2013. The second event is the stadium's official inauguration on the 02/06/2013, where Brazil will play England.

The renovated Maracana won't hold more than 78,800 people, whilst 200,000 spectators were at the World Cup final held there…