Cuiaba will serve as one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It’s the capital of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso located in the exact centre of South America.
Established in 1719 during the Brazilian Gold Rush, its centre still houses several historical buildings that were declared national heritage sites in 1992.
The city’s name is an indigenous bororo word meaning ‘arrow-fishing’, though it was first gold and later agriculture that led to Cuiaba becoming one of the fastest-growing capitals in Brazil over the last 30 years.
Wander through downtown Cuiaba and you’re sure to hear live music as you enjoy the open air shopping. The city is also a top spot for nature lovers with the Cerrado’s savannahs, the Pantanal’s wetlands and the Amazon. With such a massive presence of nature, it is no wonder, then, that Cuiaba has been nicknamed ‘Green City’.
The hotels, sights, and restaurants all within walking distance of the town center. The main hotel neighborhood and center of town is quite safe.
All the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Cuiaba will be at the brand new stadium – Arena Pantanal. This stadium is still under construction, and will have a capacity of 42,968.
This new stadium replaced in the old Jose Fragelli stadium. Since 1976, football matches were held at the Jose Fragelli stadium, affectionately known as Verdao (Big Green), which accommodated 45,000 excited fans.
The ground will host four World Cup group stage matches: Chile and Australia (13 June); Russia and South Korea (17 June); Nigeria and Bosnia- Herzegovina (21 June); and Japan versus Colombia (24 June).
Did you know : That around 1.8 thousand builders are working at the Pantanal Arena building site. Construction works started in April 2010.
Thirty two year old worker Muhammad-Ali Maciel Afonso was killed in an electrical accident at this venue on 8, early May this year. He was working on the installation of a telecommunications network for Etel Engenharia, according to a state government official and an executive at the company.
The stadium’s security structure has 330 cameras at its disposal, 45 in the venue’s external area, which use facial recognition software and are monitored by a command and control centre.
The 192m² room is able to house up to 50 professionals. The area houses monitoring stations for the CCTV system, PA system, big screens, automation, access and services control like air conditioning, LED lighting and irrigation.
