Ana Beatriz at World Cup stadium in Sao Paulo, BrazilSAO PAULO -- Two of the biggest sporting events to take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, over the next 18 months collided April 30 when IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ana Beatriz visited the site of the Arena de Sao Paulo, which will serve as the city’s World Cup venue next summer.

Beatriz, a native of Sao Paulo, was excited to visit the stadium, which is located in the eastern part of Brazil’s largest city -- 13 miles from Anhembi Park, the home of Brazil’s IZOD IndyCar Series event. The project is about 70 percent complete and expected to be completed by year’s end.

“Arena de Sao Paulo will be the most modern stadium in Brazil,” said Beatriz, who will drive the No. 18 Ipiranga Honda for Dale Coyne Racing in the fourth Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle on May 5. “It was cool to have the opportunity to visit it before it's ready and understand the whole project.”

In addition to hosting five World Cup events, including the opening match of the tournament and a semifinal, Arena de Sao Paulo will serve as the home stadium for Corinthians, Sao Paulo’s most popular soccer team.