The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is to undergo a £175m makeover before the city hosts the Olympic Games in 2016.

The stadium was built for the 1950 World Cup and at the time was the largest in the world. As a result it is a listed building, so the façade must remain unchanged. However, a roof will be added to the five-storey venue.

The current capacity of 87,000 will be reduced to 82,000 and improvement works will include upgrading the changing rooms, building a new area for the media, as well as new seats, toilets and restaurants.

Work is due to begin in March, and the stadium will close for business in September. It is expected to be completed by 2012.

The venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2016 Games, as well as the 2014 World Cup final.