The Copacabana Beach Arena will live long in the memory of all sports fans
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 20, 2016 – Beach volleyball at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games was undoubtedly one of the great arenas on display, with its backdrop of the world-famous Copacabana beach being beamed into homes across the globe on a daily basis.
From the opening fixture of Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula against Austria’s Clemens Doppler and Alexander Horst to the medal matches, 12,000 fans created a fantastic atmosphere that lit up the Games.
They ensured that the Copacabana Beach Arena will go down in history as another iconic Olympic beach volleyball venue along with Sydney 2000’s Bondi Beach location and Horse Guard’s Parade at London 2012.
New fans were created and athletes across the Games came to sample the unique atmosphere that the magic of Copacabana created and they let the world know about it via social media…
With its intoxicating mix of great sport and great entertainment, fans were quick to snap up the tickets.
Canada's Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan arrived early to ensure they were familiar with the court.
They clearly enjoyed it en route to the quarterfinals at Copacabana.
US Secretary of State John Kerry visited on the first morning and met the USA team.
He also watched a number of matches and certainly enjoyed himself.
A number of former Olympians visited the venue to cheer on their compatriots, including track star Hazel Clark who came and supported Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross.
Also cheering on Walsh Jennings and Ross was US wrestling star Rich Perry.
Journalists and other members of the world's media couldn't stop raving about the beach-side location, including this gentleman from Italy's Sky Sports.
He claims it is the best Olympic venue he can remember.
Ultimately it was the fans who gave the colour and atmosphere that will live long in the memory.
We think this fan sums up the Copacabana Beach Arena rather succinctly.