Salvador Bahia, The Arena Fonte Nova stadium and surroundings.

One of the host cities for FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and the 2014 World Cup will be the beautiful capital of Bahia, Salvador.

The stadium, that will host six games at the tournament, is being built right in the place where the old stadium Octavio Mangabeira used to be. This stadium stopped working in 2007, it was demolished and the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium took its place.

The Grand Opening Day was scheduled by the end of March, this year. Official date was on March 29 but it was cancelled and there is not another opening date available right now. 

This edifice was not only designed to play soccer matches, but it is expected to be used for other kind of shows. It has maximum capacity for 56,500 spectators. This stadium also has natural grass field, shops, parking lot, restaurants and other amenities and is located right in front of the well-known Dique de Tororó (the only natural spring of Salvador city,  which by the way is worth to know).

Since it is close to my home, I have been able to witness the construction. Little by little I have seen how it was taking shape and it is running really well, at least in regards to the streetside facade. Construction is about to be completed on these days, builders are working at full steam because, the truth is that they are right because the first international events are already here, just around the corner!

If you bought tickets to attend any of the matches, you should not worry, the stadium is located in a very accessible part of town, which is also relatively quiet in terms of security matters.

Of course, crowds attract dishonest people so you have to be cautious and take proper precautions. Sometimes, the problem, is the time you will spend to get to the stadium by car or by bus because, as it is usual in big cities, heavy traffic can play you a dirty trick. Leave your accomodation with plenty of time in advance taking this in mind.

Here there was a rumor about some FIFA prohibitions regarding street food vendors. They were supposed to be restricted at a really considerable distance from the stadium. It would be made in order to favour the sale of products of certain big companies such as Coca-cola, McDonald's and others.The problem was that these restrictions would also include the selling of a delicious and super typical Bahia food (the acarajé) and here these sellers (known as baianas) are higly respected and they are consider as a cultural expression deeply-rooted in Bahia. Such measures in no way would be well received by the population. 
But, at the end, it seems that everything was a simple rumor, "habemus acaraje" and such restrictions won't take place. We will have the chance of enjoy such a famous food if we want and near the stadium.

By the way, If not you can afford to spend much on food but you want to eat in a formally established place, What about to enjoy a delicious Subway sandwich? It is pretty near to the stadium. 

Another cheap option (that includes a big playground for kids ) is to have a meal at Habib's, which is located right in front of the Dique do Tororó and also in front of the stadium.

 In fact it has a privileged view of both. The theme of the restaurant is Arabic fast food. And some good news, it is open till midnight.

Personally, I like spinach esfihas (which are like mini pizzas) and pastel de carne (which is like a beef pasty with bits of egg and olives). Here you can eat and rest a bit, enjoying the view and everything by a moderate amount.

I leave you the link where you can find all menu with photos and even the table of nutritional values of each thing. All to give you an idea of what you can ask for there and, if youre on a diet, you are diabetic or have any alimentary restrictions, you can order and eat guilt and risk-free. Although they have salads and juices, for example, you must not forget that it is basically fast food, now you are already advised ok?

 It is worth, after having meal, taking a little walk along the dyke. In my next post I will tell you its history and characteristics.