Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro)

Maracanã Stadium

The world famous Maracanã Stadium is one of football’s most recognisable venues, setting a world record attendance of 199,854 when it hosted the FIFA World Cup Final in 1950.

The stadium was officially opened on the 16th June 1950 when the Rio de Janeiro All-Stars defeated the São Paulo All-Stars 3–1. Eight days later the opening match of the 1950 FIFA World Cup was held, with Brazil defeating Mexico 4-0. A further six matches were played at the stadium, four of which had over 100,000 spectators (all involving Brazil) and culminating in the Final on the 16th July. The huge crowd were however left stunned after Uruguay beat the hosts 2-1.

Following its opening, two of Rio de Janeiro’s major clubs, Flamengo and Fluminense have played the majority of their home matches at Maracanã. Vasco de Gama’s derby with Flamengo, known as the ‘Millions Derby’ is also traditionally played at the stadium and Botafogo have also played some home matches there.

Although still commonly referred to as the Maracanã, the stadium was renamed the Estádio Jornalista Mário Pila in 1966 following the death of a local journalist. Capacity was greatly reduced in the 1990s after being converted to an all-seater venue following a partial stand collapse.

Following further redevelopments in 2000 and 2006, a major reconstruction took place in 2013 that reduced capacity to 78,838 ahead of the country hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Seven matches were held at the stadium, including the Final in which Germany defeated Argentina 1-0. Three matches of the 2013 Confederations Cup were also held there in preparation for the World Cup, with Brazil beating Spain 3-0 in the Final.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics were held at Maracanã, with the Gold Medal Matches of the Women’s (Germany defeating Spain 2-1) and Men’s (Brazil defeating Germany on penalties) Football tournaments played at the ground.

The stadium also hosted the Final Round matches of the 1989 Copa América and five matches of the 2019 tournament including the Final with Brazil beating Peru 3-1. The Final of the first ever FIFA Club World Cup was held there in 2000, with Corinthians defeating Vasco da Gama on penalties.

Tenants: Flamengo & Fluminense (Brasileiro Série A)

Opened: 1950

Capacity: 78,838

Address: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Portão 3 – Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20271-130, Brazil



Tickets at Maracanã Stadium

Flamengo Tickets

Tickets for Flamengo matches are available to purchase online, at the ticket office at the stadium or at the club’s headquarters at Avenida Borges de Medeiros 997 in Lagoa.

Fluminense Tickets

Tickets for Fluminense matches are available to purchase online, at the ticket office at the stadium or at the club’s headquarters at Rua Álvaro Chaves 41 in Laranjeiras.

Maracanã

Location & Travel to Maracanã Stadium

Maracanã

The Maracanã Stadium is located approximately 5 kilometres to the west of downtown Rio de Janeiro, in the neighbourhood where it gets its name from.

Airport: Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport is the city’s primary airport, with domestic flights across Brazil and international services to South America, North America and Europe. The airport is approximately 20 kilometres north of downtown Rio and can be reached using the two Bus Rapid Transport lines.

Alternatively Santos Dumont Airport is the city’s secondary airport, exclusively offering domestic flights mainly to and from São Paulo. The airport is located next to the downtown area, with lines 1 and 3 of the light rail system running between the two.

Thinking of going to Rio de Janeiro? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

Metro: The easiest way of reaching the stadium is using the Rio de Janeiro Metro, with the Maracanã station on Line 2 just a short walk away.

Train: The Maracanã station sits on the red, green, blue, purple and orange lines of the SuperVia commuter railway for travel across the Greater Rio de Janeiro area.


Hotels near Maracanã Stadium

Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Rio de Janeiro by clicking here.

TripAdvisor

Maracanã Stadium Tour & Museum

Maracanã

40 minute guided tours of the Maracanã take place every day, every hour between 9am and 4pm with unguided tours permitted between 9am and 4:30pm. The guided tour costs 65 BRL and 55 BRL for the non-guided tour, with tickets half price for students, children aged between 6 and 10 and Senior Citizens over 60.

Further information and booking is available on the tour’s official website here.


Further Information & Events

Maracanã Tour Official Website

Flamengo Official Website

Fluminense Official Website

Last Updated on June 12, 2021 by Sports Tourist

Leave a Reply