Sports stadiums in Rio de Janeiro. The legendary Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro The largest football stadium in Brazil
On July 13, 2014, the legendary Maracana experienced triumph: 80 thousand people filled the stands, and there were another billion viewers on television screens. More than 400 million euros were spent on reconstruction. The result is the World Cup final, highest point in the existence of the stadium. In the summer of 2016, the holiday resumed. The arena accepted football matches The Olympics, and the opening and closing ceremonies, attracted an even larger audience (the stands were expanded) than the World Cup matches. The spectacle was grandiose.
Now Maracana looks different.
Something went wrong? All. The problems began with a conflict between the state and private business. Since 2013, Maracana has been located in private property, its owner is the Brazilian giant Odebrecht. After the end of the World Cup, the Odebrecht concern continued to operate the arena in working mode, home matches of Flamengo and Fluminense were played there, rock concerts were held (in particular, Foo Fighters) - everything as it should be. Despite this, the stadium was unprofitable. Maintenance costs exceeded operating income by almost 50 million euros (according to Folha). The concern previously tried to terminate the contract in court and return the stadium to the state, but the authorities of the state of Rio de Janeiro refused to accept it: why do they need such a burden on the municipal budget, which is already threateningly cracking? The Brazilian economy has contracted for the third year in a row, and the authorities have no money to maintain the stadium.
The owner of the Maracana, Odebrecht, refuses to take over the stadium after the Olympics because it is being returned in poor condition.
Nevertheless, during the Olympics the stadium came under the control of the state committee. After the completion of the games, the committee was to return the Maracana to Odebrecht. Six months passed, but this did not happen. Odebrecht simply refuses to take the stadium back because it is being returned in poor condition. The company calculated that it would cost about 20 million euros to return the Maracana to, let’s say, functional condition. And they demanded them from the local authorities. We received a counterclaim for failure to fulfill obligations to care for the stadium after the Olympics.
When leaving, turn off the light
The trial lasts for several months. Government agencies immediately after the Olympics stopped maintaining the arena, and Odebrecht does not begin to do this until it receives the facility in the same condition in which it was delivered. Meanwhile, hell is breaking loose at the Maracanã. The stadium is empty. Symbolic protection does not prevent people from taking out everything valuable (monitors, bronze busts) and breaking the rest.
Whoever wins the case will now have to spend more on restoration. Just to re-lay the lawn will require approximately 1 million euros (if there is control over the targeted expenditure of funds). To invest huge amounts of money in a obviously unprofitable project in order to continue to incur losses - it is not surprising that both the state committee and private company they stand to death. . No one has paid bills since the fall.
While the court is deciding who should pay for the restoration of the Maracana, the stadium is empty and destroyed.
Latest on this moment The court's decision obliges Odebrecht to return to its duties in maintaining the stadium. However, it does not take into account possible compensation that the company is demanding from the authorities. In addition, an appeal has already been filed. In general, nothing is over yet.
Flamengo and Fluminense play wherever they have to. From Das Dunas Arena to Laranjeira and Julite Coutinho. Both clubs would welcome a return to the famous stadium, but admit it is unlikely. Flamengo is acting more decisively: negotiations are underway to reconstruct the old Gavea arena in order to increase its capacity to 25 thousand spectators and make it the main one.
Lesson for everyone
The current story with the Maracana cannot be compared with the situation, for example, in South Africa, where after the World Cup no one needed stadiums. Rio de Janeiro is home to Vasco, Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense - four clubs with a history and a large number of fans. The stadium could be in demand. The problem with “Maracana” is its initially high cost, which cannot be offset by any demand. And in a conflict of interest in a complex scheme of distribution of responsibility, which, due to the intransigence of the parties, led to an unforeseen increase in costs. This experience is worth studying.
Flamengo are in talks to renovate their old arena to make it their main stadium.
Theoretically, such a situation can be simulated. For example, imagine that the functional state in which the Krestovsky stadium will be commissioned is not suitable for Zenit. The club will demand that the missing work be carried out, and the municipality and the contractor will begin to find out in court whether the authorities are obliged to finance these works or whether they relate to the contractor’s unfulfilled obligations. Or is this even Zenit’s expenses? The example of the Maracana should discipline everyone.
Test. Construction of a stadium in St. Petersburg: where is the truth, where is the joke?
The construction of Krestovsky is one continuous joke. So many absurd things happened there that it is very difficult to distinguish truth from fiction.
Although, to be honest, I am not a passionate fan of football, but while in Rio de Janeiro, my husband still persuaded me to visit Maracanã Stadium. Looking ahead, I will say that I did not regret it at all. In general, for many, Brazil is associated with carnival or with the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, but for football fans, when mentioning this country, a different association immediately arises- luxurious Maracanã stadium.
The Maracanã Stadium is open to visitors every day (even at holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. About 7,000 people visit the stadium every month. The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is rightfully considered a symbol of world football. Many football players dream of playing at least one match in their career at this stadium, because playing on the field of this legendary stadium means forever preserving their name in the history of world football. By the way, since 1998 the stadium has been included in the list of historical monuments.
This miracle of sports architecture was named after the small river that flows near the stadium. Construction Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro started in 1948 and was timed to coincide with the World Cup in 1950. The official opening of the Maracana Stadium took place in the summer of 1950, at which time a national team match was held hereteams from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The official name of the stadium is Maracanã Mario Filho, this name was given to it in honor of the Brazilian journalist who took an active part in the development of the stadium project.
The total area of the Maracanã Stadium (together with its surrounding areas) is approx. 195600 sq. m. The stadium is built in the shape of an oval, the roof canopy is fixed on consoles, and the field is separated from the stands by a small moat with water.
A tour of Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium starts right at the entrance. Next to it is a monument to the captain of the championship teams of Brazil- Hilderaldo Bellini.
Here you can see a peculiar Hall of Fame stadium, where 90 great football players of the world left their footprints, including Ronaldo, Pele, Carlos Torres.
Walking further, we saw an exhibition of autographed photographs and commemorative plaques. Throughout the history of Maracana, many famous personalities have visited here, from the Pope to the Queen of England. The photographs depict legends of Brazilian and world football. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to famous teams, and the other- grandiose concerts that were held at the Maracana stadium, among the stars at the stadium were Tina Turner, Paul McCartney and many others.
Also inside the stadium you can see various panels and frescoes that depict the history of the construction of the Maracana, as well as the history of Brazilian and world football.
On the territory of the Maracanã stadium there is an indoor sports hall, so to speak a smaller copy of the stadium. That's what this room was called- Maracanazinho, which translated means small or baby. Various concerts, festivals, competitions are held here, includingboxing, tennis and much more.
Then we took the elevator to the 6th floor. From here there is a magnificent panorama of this huge sports complex. From above you can clearly see the entire field and stands, including the VIP seats where the Pope and Queen Elizabeth once watched the game.
This podium is intended for honored guests.
And at the end of the excursion, we went out onto the stadium field, where the legendary Pele scored his thousandth goal against the opponents.
Overall, the excursion was educational. Football fans will certainly enjoy the large and beautiful Maracana Stadium, and those who are far from sports, in my opinion, will be interested in visiting here.
There was a rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games, where I was involved as a volunteer. Immediately upon arrival, I went to meet this “temple” of Brazilian football. Despite the fatigue from two days on the road, the realization that you were on the other hemisphere in the holy of holies of Brazilian culture caused a surge of energy and emotions.
I arrived just in time for sunset, the lights of the favelas in the mountains were lighting up. There were people and decorations for the opening ceremony all around.
Story
Once upon a time sports stadium"Maracana" (emphasis on the last syllable) was the largest in the world (today it remains so only in Latin America) and attracted a huge number of fans. For example, the 1950 game between the national teams of Brazil and Uruguay is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the game with the maximum number of spectators - 199,854 people. But now Maracana is not even in the top 50 in terms of capacity.
The fact is that initially at the Maracana there was a special place for the poor, which was called “geral”. Here, for a purely symbolic fee of one cruzeiro or dollar, one could watch the match while standing and discuss the progress of the game. The biggest “specialists” in football gathered here, and a special atmosphere reigned. But FIFA has banned standing places, and after modernization for the 2014 World Cup, the stadium has only 73,531 seats.
The fate of the Maracana is connected with the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the first post-war one that was hosted. For this event, the country decided to implement an ambitious plan and build the largest stadium in the world. Soon matches began to be held here, but it took another 15 years to fully complete the construction of the facility.
The life of the King of Brazilian football, Pele, is inextricably linked with the stadium. Here he scored the most spectacular goal, beating six defenders and the goalkeeper. Pele also dreamed of sending his thousandth goal into the goal of this stadium, which he did by taking a penalty. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, the famous football player was unable to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics, where he was supposed to carry the Olympic flag.
The temple of Brazilian football has also hosted various significant events. For example, the visit of Pope John Paul II. Madonna, Sting, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra and many other world-famous artists. Brazilians feel and perceive music in a special way, so concerts are held in a very festive atmosphere.
How to get there
“You need to be very careful in Rio,” I constantly hear from Brazilians. Nothing bad has happened to me yet, but the tips are as follows:
- Do not hold your mobile phone in your hands because it may be snatched;
- Cross the road only when the light is green and only when you see that the car has stopped and is letting you pass.
Yes, if you have a ticket to the game, you can use it for free public transport four hours before the start of the competition and two hours after the end.
Metro
The easiest way to get to the stadium is by underground (line 2, green) or the Supervia train. Stop/station "Maracana".
Pay attention to the signs.
By bus
Bus routes in Brazil are constantly changing. I was told to board No. 606, but in reality No. 353 was needed.
Always ask the driver (motorista): Você passa Maracanã? (“Are you driving through the Maracanã Stadium?”).
Taxi
You can hail a taxi driver or use Uber. The latter is much cheaper and more convenient due to the fact that a mandatory condition for working in this company is knowledge in English. The government of Rio tried to ban Uber for the duration of the Olympic Games, seeing them as competitors, but they did not succeed. Install the application on your phone. I paid 1 ruble for installation on Phone.
Excursion
There's more to the Maracanã than just a match. By purchasing a ticket for the excursion, you can look at the footprints of great football players and compare them with your size. Or the handprints of goalkeepers. The ticket office is open from 8:30 to 17:00. Ticket price from 6 € (20 BRL - Brazilian reals).
At the moment, the excursion activities of the Maracana are suspended due to the Olympic Games. Exact time opening unknown, approximately October 2016.
Infrastructure
During matches, you can have a snack and take drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, at the stadium.
According to FIFA standards, the Maracana has 4 large screens, 230 toilets, 60 bars and a cafeteria. The seats are painted blue, yellow and white, from anywhere good review fields. Moreover, 90 seats are available for people with special needs, 85 seats for people with obesity and limited mobility.
Olympic Maracana
Fate destined this stadium to occupy a great place in the culture of Brazil. The country is hosting more and more world competitions. The World Cup was held here in 2014, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics will be held here in 2016.
The Brazilians will cope with the role of hosts of the event and will surprise the whole world. I know, I was there ;).
The most legendary, main stadium of the greatest football nation. No superlative is enough to describe the Maracanã - this is the heart of Brazil, the symbol of Flamengo's victories, the greatest stadium in the world. We will tell you about the history of this stadium, the most interesting events and facts related to Maracana
I warn you right away, there will be a lot of text, but I will try to accompany it with interesting photographs. The history of the Maracanã is initially linked to the history of the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The competition was resumed in Rome (1946) after the Second World War, and in 1950 it was organized in Brazil, which was the only applicant country. For this event, the Brazilian state decided to build a gigantic stadium, which became the largest in the world, and also the most spacious - for a long time the capacity of Maracana was 200,000 people 
In fact, the exact maximum capacity of the stadium is unknown. Brazil claims it may be more than 200,000, the Guinness Book indicates 180,000 fans, other sources indicate approximately 155,000. The first stone of the stadium was laid on August 2, 1948 - this is the official date of birth of the Maracana Stadium. Five weeks before the start of an international competition, FIFA sends Ottorino Barassi, president of the Italian Football Federation and organizer of the previous competition, to Brazil to help the Brazilians make final preparations for the championship. On June 16, 1950, the championship begins with the opening match between the youth teams of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the Sao Paulo team wins with a score of 3-1. The first goal in the history of Maracana is scored by the young football player Didi. Despite the World Cup, it was still not fully completed - the press box was not yet finished, and there were not enough toilets. But all this did not matter at that time - the main part of the stadium was finished, the competition could begin (it is worth noting that it took another 15 years to complete the stadium) 
Due to the disorganization of national football federations in the post-war period, only thirteen teams qualified for the competition. The USSR refused to take part for political reasons, and the French team, invited to replace the Soviet team, was not yet ready for such a trip. India refused because FIFA refused to grant their request - they wanted to play barefoot. There were also positive aspects: for the first time, the England team agreed to play in such high temperatures. The peculiarity of the championship was that there were four uneven groups, in each of which a mini-championship was held. The first group included four teams (Brazil, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, Mexico), the second also had 4 teams (England, Spain, United States, Chile), the third group had 3 teams (Sweden, Paraguay, Italy), and the fourth - only two (Bolivia and Uruguay). The reasons for this distribution were purely financial - Brazil demanded that the most attractive teams play at the Maracanã 
Games held in groups: in group 1, Brazil-Mexico (4-0, 82,000 spectators) and Brazil-Yugoslavia (2-0, 142,000 spectators); and in Group 2, England-Chile (2-0, 30,000 spectators), Spain-Chile (2-0, 16,000 people) and Spain-England (1-0, 74,000). Brazil, having played 2-2 with Switzerland (the team turned out to be the opening of the championship, surprising everyone) in Sao Paulo, was qualified for the next round. Popular enthusiasm was enormous, and the government declared a holiday on the day of the national team's matches. The final group was formed by Brazil, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay (qualified after a single match against Bolivia, an 8-0 win!). I was surprised by the elimination of the England team, which lost to the USA with a score of 1-0 and to Spain with the same score. Italy was also eliminated, having been beaten in the group by Sweden. 
Brazil confirmed their position as favorites during their opening matches in the final group. Sweden was beaten on July 9, 1950, with a score of 7-1 (139,000 fans), and Spain on July 13, with a score of 6-1 (153,000 fans). Huge crowds of fans supported their team, and general euphoria reigned. During final match with Uruguay there were 173,000 spectators in the stadium - almost a tenth of the population of Rio de Janeiro. A draw was enough for the Brazilian national team to become world champion; before the match, no one bet on Uruguay - everyone was confident in the victory of the Brazilian ball wizards. From the very beginning of the match, the Brazilians dominated, constantly attacking, but Uruguay defended well and kept the score level in the first half of the match. On the way to the locker room, the disappointed stands of Maracana saw off their players with whistles - they demanded to go on the attack and score 
At the beginning of the second half, the spectators became silent, they were overcome by doubts. But all this uncertainty quickly evaporated, on 46 minutes the Brazilians opened the scoring, forcing the Maracanã to rejoice. But this goal did not guarantee Brazil a successful final result - the score was too dangerous. The players understood this and began to play nervously to hold, while Uruguay had nothing to lose and played their game. This brought results, in the 65th minute Uruguayan Juan Schiaffino scored, the score became 1:1. Brazil continues to play to hold the score, which still guarantees victory. But Uruguay played out in earnest, and in the 79th minute Alides Chiggia scored the second goal, realizing Uruguay's advantage - this goal turned out to be fatal for the Brazilians. It's all over, the stands are furious - real war has been declared. Referee George Reeder blows the final whistle: the Brazilian players fall powerless on the grass, mourning their loss, the Maracana stands are furious (several fans even had a heart attack). The police later evacuate the players from both teams and the referee to avoid bloodshed. Brazilian coach Flavio Costa escapes from angry fans 
In the memory of Uruguayan fans, this competition forever received the name: Maracanazzo. This loss will forever remain in the memories of Brazilians as a national disaster, even after many decades. Moacir Barbosa, the Brazilian goalkeeper, lived the rest of his life in agony, being, on the one hand, the best goalkeeper in the history of Brazilian football, and on the other, the goalkeeper who missed the ill-fated goal in the final. Barbosa died in 2000, never forgiven by many fans. It is worth noting that in parallel with Maracanazzo there was a match for third place, where the Spaniards unexpectedly lost to Sweden with a score of 3-1 
But that's it history of Maracana does not end, although the next 50 years can simply be listed as details. The Maracanã hosted big matches for the three main clubs in Rio de Janeiro: Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense. But to understand how deeply this stadium embodies Brazilian football, you need to list the names that played here and became legends. You can start with the same Barbosa and the infamous final, Dida - the best goal scorer of Maracana, who scored 244 goals in official matches for Flamengo (the second goal scorer after Zico) and of course Pele, who was called the King. God of all Brazilians, but an opponent of the Rio de Janeiro clubs, who played for the Sao Paulo team. On March 5, 1961, Pele scored the most beautiful goal in the history of Maracana, beating six Fluminense defenders and the goalkeeper. Here, at Maracanã, Pele scores the thousandth goal of his career.
This moment was planned in advance, because the King really wanted to score the 1000th goal in this stadium. This happened in a match with Vasco da Gama in front of 125,000 fans, the goal was scored from the penalty spot. There is no shortage of football talent in Brazil, so the list of celebrities who have played at the Maracanã is endless. 
Maracana has hosted important matches many times and the capacity of the stadium was simply amazing. Attendance records have always been rising: after 173,830 spectators at the Maracanazzo match (Brazil-Uruguay), new level was achieved on March 21, 1954 at the Brazil-Paraguay match, which was attended by 183,513 fans. However, it has always been believed that the maximum number of spectators was at the Brazil-Uruguay match in 1950; many simply made their way to the stadium for free, which made it difficult to accurately determine the attendance. Maracana holds the record for the highest attendance at a match between clubs in the history of world football. At the Flamengo-Fluminense match in 1963, there were 177,656 spectators who bought tickets (imagine how many fans got into the stadium for free). It sounds funny, but the lowest number of visitors was registered at the match between the clubs Bangu Tsunami and Deportivo de Quito 
Official name Maracana - Mario Filho (Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho), in honor of the famous sports journalist who died in 1966. He was the founder of the country's leading sports magazine, a friend of many players, the author of many books on football, and one of the participants in the construction of Brazil's greatest stadium. Many believe that Mario Filho should be buried at the stadium 
The heart of Brazilian football has also hosted others important events. One of the legends of Maracana is John Paul II blessing the Brazilian people at the stadium. The thirty-year anniversary of the stadium was celebrated with the Brazil-USSR competition, Frank Sinatra also came and held one of his most successful concerts here. Kiss, Sting, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones performed at the Maracana. Music stars liked to feel the spirit of a huge crowd, so concerts were always held with a special spirit. Football at this time faded into the background, not to mention volleyball (Brazil-USSR in 1983) 
A historical building, immortal in every sense. The stadium is officially historical monument since 1998, so cannot be seriously modified. All restoration and modernization projects are related to improving the safety and comfort of spectators. In 1992, part of the fence collapsed due to pressure from fans, killing three people. Following this incident, several stadium stands were closed, a thorough inspection of the structure was carried out and strong signs of structural fatigue were found. 
Because of huge amount visitors, the concrete structure of the stadium needed serious reconstruction, which happened in 2000, when the stadium turned 50 years old. The stadium's capacity was reduced to 103,045 people 
After years of planning and nine months of renovation in 2005-2006, the stadium reopened in 2007, but the capacity was again reduced to 88,992 spectators. Due to FIFA requirements for only numbered seating, at the newly rebuilt Maracanã, the “geral” sector was eliminated - standing places behind the gates and benches where the poorest fans sat. A ticket for the geral cost only one dollar - a purely symbolic price, allowing almost everyone to attend the match of their favorite team. Geral was considered the most democratic sector of the Maracana and became an integral part of Brazilian football culture. 
Due to changes in this sector, the stadium's capacity will increase again to 95,000 fans. Due to all these reconstructions, the Maracana has lost its status as the largest stadium in South America, giving way to Ecuador's Monumental Stadium. If we talk about iconic stadiums, then in Europe we can cite the no less legendary
Maracana, perhaps one of the most legendary football stadiums in the world and the main stadium of the Brazilians, a truly great football nation.
This is not only the most famous stadium in the world, but also the very heart of Brazil, a unique symbol of Flamengo’s victories, a real temple of the second Brazilian religion - football.
Story
The history of the famous Maracana Stadium begins in 1950, during the World Cup. The first competition after World War II took place in Rome, and the second in Brazil, which became the only applicant country to host the football championship in 1950.
It was for this event that the Brazilian government made a fateful decision to build a huge stadium, which eventually became not only the largest in the world, but also the most spacious.
August 2, 1948 is the date of laying the first stone in the foundation of the stadium. This date is considered the official birthday of Maracana. The name of the stadium was given by the residential area of the same name, which was named after the river on the site of which it was built at one time, and the river got its name from the name of a large parrot.
Officially, the stadium is called Mario Filho. It received this name in honor of the then mayor of the city, thanks to whom the project of the world's largest football stadium was brought to life.
The Maracanã has an oval shape, the canopy of the stadium roof is secured with consoles, and the field itself is separated from the stands by a real moat with water.
A bronze statue of the footballer, cast to commemorate Brazil's 1958 World Cup victory, adorns the Maracanã. The podium is decorated with the names of players from the then Brazilian national team, who to this day remain legends of world football.
At the Maracana stadium, everything is sacred in its own way: the stupa where Pele himself once changed his clothes, and the couch on which Garrincha warmed up his muscles, and Zico’s hot tub, and the plaque in honor of the thousandth goal.
On the walls of the stadium there are photographs of the players who brought glory to the yellow-greens: Zico, Pele, Romario, Junior, Rivelino, Garrincha and Ronaldo.
Stadium capacity
For a long time, the total capacity of Maracana was 200 thousand people.
In fact, the exact capacity of the stadium is still not known. In Brazil itself they are sure that it is more than 200,000 people, the Guinness Book of Records indicates the figure is 180 thousand, and other sources do not raise this bar slightly above 155,000 fans.
Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that publications such as Wikipedia write about a completely different capacity, equal to 78,838 people.