Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Venues

Arena da Baixada

Full name: Estadio Joaquim Americo Guimaraes

Former names: Kyocera Arena (2005-2008)

Location: Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

Capacity: 25,180

Estadio Joaquim Americo Guimaraes, commonly referred to as Arena da Baixada, is a football stadium in the Água Verde neighborhood of Curitiba, Parana. Opened in 1914, it is the home field of Atletico Paranaense, who also owns and operates the stadium. The stadium will be one of the host venues for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

History

The stadium was built at the previous location of a Brazilian Army powder depot. In 1934, the stadium was renamed Estadio Joaquim Americo Guimaraes. In the 1970s, the original stadium was closed down. After being reopened in 1984 and operating for some years, the old stadium building was demolished on March 26,1997, right after a construction project of a new arena was announced. In June 1999, the new stadium was built. In 2005, the stadium was renamed Kyocera Arena, after the Japanese company Kyocera purchased the naming rights.

The inaugural match of the old stadium was played on September 6, 1914, when Flamengo beat Internacional 7-1. The first goal of the stadium was scored by Flamengo's Arnaldo.

The inaugural match of the new building was played on June 24, 1999, when Atletico Paranaense beat Cerro Porteño of Paraguay 2-1. The first goal of the stadium after its reinauguration was scored by Atletico's Lucas.

The stadium's attendance record currently stands at 31,740, set on December 16, 2001 when Atletico Paranaense beat Sao Caetano 4-2, on the first game of that year's Brazilian Championship finals.

Though the present stadium is still new, there are some plans for newer stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The contract with Kyocera that gave the company naming rights expired in early 2008. It was not renewed, and no new partnership was announced. The stadium went back to its old name, Arena da Baixada.