Maracanã Stadium
Rio de Janeiro
Maracanã Stadium, officially Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, is an iconic football stadium located in the Maracanã neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup, it witnessed the legendary final where Uruguay defeated Brazil in front of a record crowd exceeding 170,000 spectators. Over time, Maracanã has hosted numerous historic matches including the Fla–Flu derby with record attendances surpassing 190,000. It remains the largest stadium in Brazil and third largest in South America, with a current seating capacity of approximately 73,139 after modernization and seating upgrades. Managed jointly by Flamengo and Fluminense football clubs, the stadium is a central venue for local and international football events, including the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2014 FIFA World Cup final, 2016 Summer Olympics ceremonies, and upcoming 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup matches. Beyond football, Maracanã hosts concerts and other sporting events, maintaining its status as a multi-use cultural landmark in Rio. Its name derives from the nearby Maracanã River and the indigenous Tupi word for a local parrot species, reflecting the area's natural heritage. The stadium's architectural design was the result of a competition and collaboration among several Brazilian architects and engineers, symbolizing a major urban and sporting milestone for Rio de Janeiro.
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Tip: Visit Maracanã Stadium during football season to experience the electric atmosphere of local derbies, especially the famous Fla–Flu matches. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to explore the stadium's history and facilities. Weekdays and non-match days offer quieter visits ideal for photography and museum access. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Check the official website for updated event schedules and ticketing information.
Interesting facts
- •The 1950 World Cup final at Maracanã still holds the record for the largest attendance at a football match, with over 173,850 spectators.
- •The Fla–Flu derby in 1963 set a world record attendance for a club match with 194,603 fans.
- •Maracanã is the third largest stadium in South America after stadiums in Argentina and Peru.
- •The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
- •The name 'Maracanã' originates from a Tupi word for a type of parrot native to the region.
- •The Red Star Belgrade football stadium is nicknamed 'Marakana' in homage to Maracanã Stadium.
History
Construction of Maracanã Stadium began after Brazil was awarded the 1950 FIFA World Cup, with the project supported by journalist Mário Filho and completed under Mayor General Ângelo Mendes de Morais.
The design was awarded to a team of seven Brazilian architects and the construction to engineer Humberto Menescal.
Since its inauguration in 1950, the stadium has undergone several renovations, including major modernization for the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, which reduced its capacity but improved safety and comfort.
It has hosted landmark events such as the 1950 World Cup final, 2007 Pan American Games ceremonies, and the 2016 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.
In 2021, there was a proposal to rename the stadium in honor of football legend Pelé, pending approval.
Place Guide
Pitch and Seating Areas1950
The main football pitch is surrounded by tiered seating that was modernized to meet international standards, providing excellent sightlines and safety features. The seating capacity is approximately 73,139 after renovations.
Maracanãzinho Arena
Located within the Maracanã complex, Maracanãzinho is an indoor arena primarily used for volleyball and other indoor sports events, complementing the stadium's multi-use function.
Historical Museum and Tour
Guided tours offer visitors a chance to explore the stadium's rich history, including memorabilia, trophies, and behind-the-scenes areas such as locker rooms and press facilities.
