Following the announcement, the deadline for Brazilian residents to enter the first draw for tickets to Rio 2016, across the 42 Olympic sports and the Ceremonies, has been extended until May 6.

The Arena, which is the home of Corinthians Football Club, is located in the neighbourhood of Itaquera in São Paulo’s East Zone.

During the Olympic Games, the venue will host 10 matches - four group games, one quarter-final and the bronze-medal match in the women’s tournament, and two group games, one quarter-final and one semi-final in the men’s tournament.

It was opened shortly before the 2014 FIFA World Cup, during which it staged six games, including the opening match between the hosts and Croatia.

“The stadium complies with all FIFA requirements and was successfully tested in the World Cup,” said Rodrigo Garcia, Rio 2016’s sports director.

“In addition, although the Games-time operation will be heavier than the stadium’s routine operations, it will be significantly lighter than during the World Cup, so we are certain that the Arena is prepared for Rio 2016.”

The Itaquera Arena joins the Maracanã Stadium and Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro, the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, the Arena Amazônia in Manaus, the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília, and the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, as host venues.

The selection process for Itaquera Arena was the same as for the other stadiums, according to Garcia.  

“We have already made inspections of the Itaquera Arena, as planned, and they will continue until the Games,” he added.

“From the perspective of the competition, there hasn't been any alteration to the schedule.”

Official confirmation of the 48,000-capacity Itaquera Arena’s presence in the Olympic Games came after an agreement between Rio 2016 and the São Paulo Municipal Government.

The two entities will work together with Games sponsors to find ways to fund the temporary structures needed to host the tournament in the city, with São Paulo officials estimating costs of approximately $5 million (£3.3 million/€4.5 million).

People who have already applied for Rio 2016 tickets can still add requests for São Paulo tickets.

Overseas fans should contact the respective Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) in their territory to find out how to buy tickets.

To view the list of ATRs, click here.


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