Atlético Paranaense begins the works in Arena da Baixada

Mario Celso Petraglia, president of the Atletico Paranaense’s work commission of the 2014 World Cup, pledged this Tuesday (4), in Curitiba, the beginning of the works of the Arena da Baixada and a funding of more R$ 45 million to complete the R$ 185 million total estimated for completion of the stadium. Petraglia made the statement, even though this guarantee depends on the approval of the work by the deliberative council of the club, which should meet next week to define the subject.

The loan will come from the BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and will be paid in 15 years, with a grace period of three years. Before that, Atlético’s council must approve or not the utilization of the arena as collateral for the loan. "We can not simply accept all the conditions before making a decision with the board," said the president of the deliberative council, Gláucio Geara.

The other resources to be used are the constructive potential, which jumped from R$ 90 million to R$ 123 million due to the valorization of the region. The team has so far invested R$ 17 million in minor adjustments and preparation of basic projects. "We will have an investment made by the team and we will make up for the lost time," Petraglia said.

First Day
Despite the euphoria caused by the resumption of the works, the team should also wait for the financial triangulation to be made by CAP/SA (company created by the team to manage the works), the Development Agency of the State Government and BNDES. Only after this bureaucratic solution, Engevix, the company responsible for the works, may receive for the services. On the first day of work, there were 18 vehicles, including trucks and backhoes.

The initial phase of stadium works is expected to last three months, and it includes the embankment and foundation works, which will be carried out next to the field. At the site, a two-storey parking for 690 vehicles will be built, in addition to the press center. During this period, the team will not need to change field.

The works should be ready by December 2012, and the stadium should be opened on March 29, 2013, on the anniversary of the city (and three days after the anniversary of the team). This month, Atlético hopes that the Arena is announced as one of the stadiums to host matches of the Confederations Cup.