To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.
No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.
Maracanã Stadium was built to serve as the main venue for Brazil’s 1950 FIFA World Cup. Upon the stadium’s completion, it featured the largest seating capacity of any soccer stadium in the world. During the final game of the World Cup between Brazil and Uruguay, more than 200,000 people packed into the stadium, the largest audience in world soccer history. Brazil ended up losing the game, which caused such sadness amongst the Brazilian spectators that two people leapt off the stands.
Since 1950, Maracanã has been significantly refurbished to serve as the main venue of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup. Today, it is a massive open-air arena that seats almost 80,000. Catch a home game and join thousands of passionate fans as they cheer on one of Rio de Janeiro’s four main teams: Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, Flamengo and Botafogo.
Take a tour of the stadium and learn about some of the biggest players in Brazilian soccer history, including Zico, Garrincha, Romario and Pele. Admire the dramatic statue of Zico and a cement cast of Garrincha’s footprints along the tour. The tour also features a walk through the stadium’s bleachers, one of its VIP lounges and its locker rooms. Tours are offered on the hour every day from Monday through Saturday, and you must buy a ticket to join one. The tour starts with a visit to the small gift shop that sells Brazilian soccer memorabilia. Pick up a jersey or commemorative ball to take home with you.
Macaranã Stadium is located in the neighbourhood of Macaranã, which lies just west of the city centre. A metro station is near the stadium and buses from downtown Rio stop nearby.
