the new design, which resulted in an increase in audience capacity of almost 20,000, also resulted in much improved acoustics.

on february 7th, 2012, the opening ceremony was attended by mayor eduardo paes and architect oscar niemeyer, then 104 years old. 

the renovated sambódromo, sometimes referred to as the 'temple of samba', was also blessed by a group of nearly 700 of 'baianas'.

'baianans' means 'women from bahia,' a state in northeastern brazil', but it is also a term that specifically refers to a mandatory wing of any official carnaval parade - easily recognizable as they use very large round skirts that become almost hypnotic when they spin in sync.