For a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s greatest soccer matches, don’t miss a visit to Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracaña stadium!
The legendary Jornalista Mario Filho stadium, better known as Rio’s Stade Maracanã, is one of the world’s most legendary and historic football venues. The legendary Pele scored his thousandth goal here in 1969. It is one of the world’s largest stadiums, hosting international sporting and musical events.
If you’re traveling in Brazil, chances are you’ll be passing through Rio de Janeiro. If you’re a soccer fan, make sure you attend a match at the Maracanã stadium, and don’t miss the guided tour. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest matches, see the jerseys of your favorite players and experience the unique sensation of stepping onto the immense pitch…
Here you’ll find all the practical information you need to make the most of your visit to the Maracanã Stadium!
Inaugurated on June 16, 1950 for that year’s World Cup, the famous stadium has since been used by Rio de Janeiro’s top clubs: Flamengo and Fluminense. Since its creation, it has also hosted the major matches of the 2014 World Cup, the 2013 Confederations Cup games, and more recently, the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2019 Copa America. The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Coldplay have also performed there.
The stadium’s original capacity of over 220,000 made it the largest in the world. In 1990, the venue lost its title following a series of modernization works that reduced its capacity. Nostalgia was short-lived, however, as a few years later Brazil learned that its symbolic stadium would host the 2014 World Cup and the 2013 Confederations Cup. De facto, the stadium was redesigned, and the premises were once again modernized to meet international requirements in terms of safety, logistics and sustainable development. After the overhaul, the stadium will be able to accommodate over 78,000 spectators and fans!
Did you know? Brazilians also know the venue by its official name of Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho. Journalist Mario Filho championed the project for many years in the columns of Jornal dos Sports, orchestrating a major lobbying campaign for the 1950 World Cup. Following his death in 1966, the city of Rio decided to pay tribute to him and renamed the stadium in his name.
But, if you really want to put yourself in the players’ shoes and tread the mythical turf, nothing beats visiting Rio’s Maracanã Stadium with a guide! Reopened in 2017, these tours offer fans and the curious a documented tour led by an expert. You can go behind the scenes of Maracanã with a bilingual guide, in a group or on your own.
The tour begins in theexhibition area. Historical videos and objects belonging to the most famous players are on display, such as the ball used to score the thousandth goal by the king of soccer, Pele. Jerseys, signed balls and shoes from great players such as Zico and Galinho de Quitino will also delight fans. The discovery continues with the room dedicated to player warm-ups and the press conference room.
Then it’s time to enter thehuge lawn. Here, you can even sit on one of the reserve benches. Finally, the highlight of the tour is the players’ changing rooms, complete with national team jerseys.
A soccer match
To get the most out of the electric atmosphere of a soccer match, it’s best to buy your ticket to see the best clubs in Rio and Brazil battle it out.
How to get to the Maracanã Stadium in Rio?
The Maracanã stadium is located in the Tijuca district in the north of Rio de Janeiro. It can be reached by metro, SuperVia (urban train) or bus. Entrance to the guided tour area is through Gate A, on the west side of the stadium.
By metro: metro line 2 takes you to the stadium in 15 minutes from downtown, Botafogo or Flamengo. Once you’ve left Maracanã station, it’s impossible to miss the stadium, as the metro access bridge takes you directly to it. What’s more, there’s nothing else around.
By bus: the cheapest way to get from Copacabana Beach to Maracanã Stadium is to take bus no. 432. The journey takes just over an hour.
By cab, private car or Uber: it’s the quickest way. The stadium can be reached in 10 minutes from the city center. Parking is available next to Gate 2.
Please note: reduced rates are available for students with a card, children aged 6 to 10 and pensioners over 60. Visits are free for children under 5.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TOURS
Various providers offer packages. They generally last 3 hours and are led by a French-speaking guide. They include pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. For this type of tour, expect to pay an average of €50 per person.
GOOD TO KNOW
– The bars and snack bars where Brazilian fans usually gather are open to visitors.
– There’s a souvenir store where you can buy jerseys, shirts and caps.
– An area is dedicated to souvenir photos of the stadium with 360° views.
