Rio's Olympic Stadium has reportedly turned into a ghost town that has a 'smell of mold', damaged rooms, and stray cats

Chris Carlson/AP

Maracana Stadium during the closing ceremonies.

As is the case with many past Olympic stadiums, Rio's Maracanã Stadium has turned into a ghost town, according to Carolina Oliveira Castro of O Globo.

Maracanã Stadium, which held the opening and closing ceremonies and several of the Rio Olympics' biggest events and has been around since 1950, underwent a $600 million renovation to prepare for the 2014 World Cup, according to the Huffington Post.

Now, Castro reports that nobody has stepped up to maintain the building, with the Brazilian government blaming the Rio Organizing Committee for the lack of upkeep.

According to Castro, the grass on the field is dry with dirt spots, furniture has been stolen from the lounges and concourses, food has been left in the vendor areas, and stray cats roam the premises.

Writes Castro (via Google Translate):

"In the noblest part of the stadium, the cabins appear to have been looted, and some have no counter. All the furniture, which had sofas, chairs, puffs and tables, was stored in rooms. Good part is damaged and has no use condition. The cabins are practically empty. Few have chairs. In the inner part, the bar still has leftover food; In some areas, televisions have been withdrawn and have not yet been replaced.

"When looking at the midfield, the situation is not cheery. The dry grass is already seen on the sides and in the center. And it is not for overuse: it is for lack of water and care. A simple walk in the field, without forcing, is sufficient for tufts of dry grass to come off the land."

Castro reports that in the inner part of the stadium "the smell of mold is noticeable."

O Globo took video of the stadium, which held a soccer event in December, showing the shoddy field and messy storage of furniture.

Via Globo

Bits of ceiling have fallen onto the stacked and disorganized furniture:

Via Globo

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in Olympic stadiums. However, until the government and the Olympic organizing committee resolves who is responsible for repairing the damages and maintaining the facility, it's likely to continue to deteriorate.

Read the original report with photos and videos here >