Maracanã – tournament stadium description

Copa America 2021 games at Maracanã

Although the stadium has seen some of the world’s most memorable games, its participation in Copa America is only symbolic. Just 1 of 28 matches will take place here, at Rio de Janeiro’s most central stadium. But that single game is the final, a fitting addition to the stadium’s portfolio.

Location

The stadium’s common nickname takes root here, within the neighbourhood of Maracanã, almost at the heart of Rio de Janeiro. The stadium is easily accessible through Rio’s metro and SuperVia rail, via a total of 4 lines. Because of its central location, the giant is also served by numerous bus lines. On-site parking, in turn, is scarce because of dense urban fabric all around.

History of the stadium

Opened in June of 1950, the stadium still exists at least partly in its original form. Even during the largest redevelopment of 2010-2013, it retain bulk of its primary structure and nearly all of the upper ring of seating. This means it has also preserved its original, elliptic shape that used to house the world’s largest audiences.

It’s the only existing football stadium that came close to breaking 200,000 people at a football game, and it wasn’t even finished at the time. In early 21st century the size came down to just over 100,000 individual seats, while the last revamp reduced it further to under 80,000. Still, to this day it remains Brazil’s largest stadium.

Architecture

Although it’s considered part of Brazil’s cultural heritage, the stadium didn’t receive great recognition for architecture itself. Despite the monumental scale, its structure is simple and only the large main ramps are instantly recognisable. This allowed reconstruction to cover many areas. The lower tier of seating was removed entirely and new sections were brought closer to the field, nearly connected into one giant tier with the upper areas.

The famous concrete roof was listed as a monument and initially was supposed to be preserved, however the decision later changed. Eventually, a lightweight tensile cable structure covered with membrane was selected as the desired solution.

Other events

Even counting all memorable events at this iconic address would take all day. After all, the stadium’s career began with a World Cup (1950), you cannot ask for more than that. Then Copa America in 1989, the Confederations Cup in 2014 and subsequent World Cup in 2014, the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 and finally, the second Copa America final.