396 GE EF2000 floodlights will increase on-field lighting and improve the visibility and quality of TV broadcasts, especially in HD, in compliance with The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) requirements

The lighting system for the final match and six other games in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games has been selected: Jornalista Mário Filho Stadium, better known as Maracanã - considered one of the world's best and most classic soccer venues - will offer a much clearer and sharper visual experience for athletes, spectators and television viewers around the globe. A contract between the Rio de Janeiro state government's public works company (Empresa de Obras Públicas, EMOP ); Consórcio Maracanã Rio 2014, a consortium comprised of the Norberto Odebrecht and Andrade Gutierrez construction groups; and GE Lighting, which will supply the system, includes the installation of 396 GE EF2000 floodlights to illuminate the field at the new Maracanã, currently in the final stages of renovation with a scheduled inauguration date of February 2013.

GE floodlights will light Maracana Stadium, the facility hosting the 2014 World Cup and opening and closing ceremonies for the 2016 Olympics. The lighting upgrade will provide a sharper visual experience for athletes, spectators and television viewers around the globe. Courtesy of SEObras, photo by Erica Ramalho.

"Maracanã has historical value for the city of Rio de Janeiro, for our country and for the world as an icon of Brazilian culture and international soccer. The state government's job was to approve renovations that would symbolize the country's capacity to host world-caliber events. From the seats to the lighting, we made it a priority from the start to choose the best equipment and solutions," commented Ícaro Moreno, EMOP president.

The project took into account the need to provide Maracanã with uniform and consistent lighting to eliminate shadows and offer perfect visibility anywhere on the field, a crucial element for players' performance and high-definition television broadcasts. The GE Lighting system makes it possible to control glare and reduce sky-glow, helping to concentrate light on the field.

"The decision to choose the solution presented by GE Lighting took into consideration its ability to improve the quality of light in the largest stadium in Brazil and the site of the World Cup final. The company's entire portfolio has a reputation for efficiency, providing the guarantee we need to ensure perfect lighting during the games and increase visibility in every corner of the field," noted Carlos Zaeyen, a representative of Consórcio Maracanã Rio 2014.

Greater clarity
Each of 396 floodlights use metal halide technology with a 2,000-watt capacity, ensuring the games' visibility on and off the field. The system also complies with FIFA's requirement that stadiums offer a clearer view of the field for players and fans, both those in the stands and those watching the games on television around the world.

EF2000 floodlights are designed to illuminate large outdoor spaces such as sporting venues, racetracks, parking lots, recreational areas, facades, ports and airports, and high-ceilinged indoor spaces such as gymnasiums and performance halls. The same system was used at London's Riverbank Arena, which hosted the 2012 Olympic hockey games and 5- and 7-a-side soccer at the 2012 Paralympics. GE EF2000 floodlights have also been installed in many other venues in the United States, Europe and Latin America.

"We are very pleased to embrace the opportunity to contribute our expertise to lighting this monument to world soccer," remarked Alexandre Ferrari, General Manager, GE Lighting, Brazil. "We have been present at many moments in the stadium's history, including its inauguration in 1950, and we are participating in this new phase, which represents a milestone in the development and modernization of the country's infrastructure - and, of course, a gift to all of us who love the sport."