Maracana, officially named Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is used mostly for association football matches, hosting the home games of Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Fluminense, along with various international matches.
Opened on 16 June 1950 with a match between teams from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it replaced the older Estádio das Laranjeiras. Originally, Maracana had a maximum seating capacity of 200,000. The current seating capacity of the stadium, after several renovations, is now set at 78,838. The stadium was designed by a team of architects led by Raphael Galvão and had a construction cost equivalent to $3 million at the time.
A FIFA category four stadium and one of the biggest stadiums by capacity in the world, the Maracana has hosted numerous high-profile events, including two FIFA World Cup Finals (1950 and 2014), the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It was elected the most influential stadium in a 2014 online poll by The Guardian. Throughout its history, Maracana has welcomed more than 40 million spectators. The stadium is one of the potential venues for any future FIFA World Cup or Summer Olympics that Brazil may host.
While the previous Flamengo stadium was also officially named 'Estádio do Flamengo', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Maracanã. Maracanã is the name of the neighborhood the stadium was built on, which itself derives its name from the Maracanã River that runs through the area. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of Rio de Janeiro used to simply call it Maracanã. Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Estádio Maracanã'. This translation, however, could be argued to be inaccurate, since Maracanã refers not to 'maracanã' but to the original address of the stadium: Avenida Maracanã ('Maracanã Avenue').
The Maracanã Stadium, officially known as the Maracanã Municipal Stadium (Estádio Municipal Maracanã), is a football stadium located in the Maracanã neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium was opened in 1950 and has since been one of the most iconic football venues in the world. The Maracanã has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments and matches including the 1950 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Designed by architects Waldir Ramos, Raphael Galvão, Miguel Feldman, Oscar Valdetaro, Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos, and Orlando Azevedo, the Maracanã underwent major renovations ahead of the 2014 World Cup to meet FIFA's modern stadium standards. The renovations included the addition of a new roof, improvements to the seating areas, and the construction of new facilities such as restaurants and shops. The Maracanã's seating capacity was reduced from its original 200,000 spectators to around 78,000 for safety reasons.
Notable moments in the Maracanã's history include the decisive match of the 1950 World Cup, known as the 'Maracanazo', when Uruguay defeated the host Brazil in a shocking upset. Another memorable moment was the 'Farewell to Pelé' match in 1977, when the legendary footballer Pelé played his last game for the Brazilian national team at the Maracanã. The Maracanã has also been the stage for numerous concerts by world-renowned artists, including the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Madonna.
The Maracanã is not only a symbol of Brazilian football but also a significant cultural icon in Brazil. Its monumental size, historic matches, and the passionate fans that fill its seats have made the Maracanã a legendary venue in the world of football.
An appropriate location, with excellent accessibility and ample space for potential expansion, was discovered in the Maracanã neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro. Initially, the new stadium was known as 'Estádio de Maracanã' due to its location.
The club's goal was always to possess both the stadium and the surrounding land. However, in the beginning, a lease was arranged for the municipal terrains, with the final purchase only occurring in 1961. The plans for the sports complex were outlined as early as in the late 1940s by João Simões, a former player for the club.
Under the guidance of the club's president, Joaquim Ferreira Bogalho, the associates coped with an increased fee to support the construction costs for the new stadium, offered significant donations, and some even volunteered to work on the construction site during holidays or weekends. A 'cement campaign' was also launched, where large amounts of cement bags were donated to the club.
The construction work officially commenced on 2 August 1950. Less than four years later, at an expense of 150 million Brazilian Real, on 16 June 1950 (a national holiday), a crowd with a capacity of 200,000 filled the stadium for the inaugural match against rivals Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup.
Estádio do Maracana (1950): Description and history of Maracana stadium http://www.estadiodomaracana.com.br/history
Maracana (O Maior do Mundo) – until 2003: Detailed account of Maracana stadium from construction to present day http://www.stadiumdb.com/stadiums/bra/maracana
O Maracana não se apaga, Prefácio, Prime Books, 2003: Book detailing the cultural significance of Maracana stadium http://www.primebooks.com.br/omaracananão-se-apaga
Maracana 100 gloriosos anos - A História 1, Edição e Conteúdos, S.A., 2003: Comprehensive history of Maracana stadium over 100 years http://www.edicaoconteudos.com.br/maracana100anos
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