Estádio Kléber Andrade – stadium description

First stadium in this part of Cariacica was opened in 1983 by Rio Branco AC, the club who bought their new plot in 1970s. With stands curved in the sloped land it was a very cheap structure, but also proved to age rapidly. Especially that stands able to hold over 30,000 fans saw their heyday in 1980s (reports of up to 50,000 people can be found) and later stopped filling to capacity.

This is why the dilapidating stadium was transferred to the Spirito Santo state authorities in 2008. Complete reconstruction began in March 2010 and was due for delivery in Spring 2014. Eventually the deadline wasn’t met, but the building was able to play its role as training centre for the Cameroonian national team during 2014 World Cup. Early estimations suggested complete cost to reach $R100 million, but eventually override was experienced.

Structurally the stadium inherited its stands from the old one. Though all prefabs were laid anew and better access routes were created, the basis and slope remain unchanged. One significant difference is the lack of any seating in the south and north – size was decreased and the stadium left more open. The audience is topped by large steel ring of the roof, a symbolic crown set atop tall concrete towers.

Rio Branco remain the key tenant in football terms, but the stadium’s athletic value is expected to grow, especially as it was selected as training facility for the 2016 Olympics. Soon after reopening in 2014 the first concert took place and saw Paul McCartney perform.