Of the three biggest clubs in Sao Paulo, the only one which previously did not own a stadium with the necessary size and infrastructure to host games was the city's best-supported side: Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

Yet this long-yearned for dream of the Corinthians faithful will finally come true ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the shape of the Arena de Sao Paulo. Under construction in the neighbourhood of Itaquera, which is in the city's Eastern Zone and a traditional Corintianos stronghold, the project is scheduled to be completed by early 2014.

The stadium works are also expected to boost development in the Eastern Zone, which is one of Sao Paulo's most deprived areas and home to nearly four million people, as well as ensuring hundreds of workers gain professional qualifications. A total of close to 6,000 people will be employed either directly or indirectly over the course of the construction process.

The Arena de Sao Paulo has been chosen to host the Opening Match of Brazil 2014 and will also welcome five other encounters, including one semi-final. Its capacity will be 61,606.

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