Estádio São Januário – design description

The master plan was created by Populous as part of Leven Siano's successful bid to become president of Vasco da Gama. It would see the legendary Estádio São Januário demolished and replaced by a new football-specific venue, combined with ancillary sporting and commercial uses.

The complex would include an indoor arena for 5,000 people, open-air Olympic swimming pool and a hotel with 150 rooms. Smaller leisure facilities would make the area live daily as a vibrant destination.

The stadium itself would hold 55,000 people, of whom 15,000 would be able to stand throughout the game on a massive northern terrace with a single tier. The opposite, south side of the venue would be largely open and with only one sunken tier of seating. This would allow a smooth connection with the southern plaza and also give a stunning view of the hills, including the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Exterior of the stadium is very directly inspired by Vasco da Gama's caravel. Like a ship's hull, the venue rises towards the north, visually cutting through the urban fabric. It would also be covered by lightweight, translucent panels so as to not be too imposing and ensure proper sunlight access to the public concourse inside.

In this literal metaphor the hotel tower becomes a mast. It would have cables connected to the top, allowing canvas roof segments to rise and protect fans from excessive sun and rain. The permanent and more traditional part of the roof would only cover the uppermost sections of the auditorium.

Part of the plan is to retain all of the monumental facade of the old São Januário, which would welcome guests of the premium, hospitality areas. In order to make the association with Vasco da Gama even stronger, the stadium would be done in time for the 500th anniversary of Vasco's death, on Dec 24. 2024.