I read that Rio has the 2007 Panamerican Games and construction of the Joao Havelange stadium will start soon, if it hasn't by now. Someone at another board also said that the plan is to have the Carioca clubs use that stadium while the Maracana is demolished. Is that true? I understand that the stadium is not in good shape, but it's such a famous venue all over the world. Is the decision final?
What I've heard in recent days is that Flamengo may be allowed to use the stadium that is being built for the Panams 97 as their home venues. I haven't heard anything about a possible demolition of Maracanã, and I immensely doubt it. I can't imagine the kind of public reaction to such idea, since the Maracanã is Brasil's most representative football temple. But I can imagine it being reformed for the World Cup in 2014.