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This is the seat for obese fans at the World Cup stadium in Rio: 50% discount on tickets if you have doctor's note pic.twitter.com/V9KkSx555s
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) February 6, 2014
According to Bloomberg, the seats will be about double the width of a regular stadium chair and will be available in every single one of the 12 World Cup stadiums. This is the first World Cup requiring seats to be created for fans who are struggling with their weight.
“FIFA always respects local legislation and regulations and as such included obese people within the category of people with special needs,” World Cup organizers said.
“All obese customers will have the right to use a specific seat and will be offered the opportunity to request a complimentary ticket for one accompanying person.”
In Brazil, nearly half of the adult population is classified as overweight and one in seven citizens are considered obese. The seats are available to any fan who can prove their body mass index, or BMI, is 30 or greater.
Students, people over 60, disabled individuals and recipients of low-income grants also qualify for the discounted tickets.
"Americans" RT @digitaljournal 2.5 % of available 2014 World Cup seats can be reserved for obese people http://t.co/q74u7nPGud
— Kurt Stafki (@kStafki) February 7, 2014
The World Cup will be held from June 12 to July 13.
[NESN] [Bloomberg]