MARACANA STADIUM

The largest soccer stadium in Brazil is Maracanã, which is also one of the main postcards of Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated in 1950, the stadium journalist Mário Filho (official name) was, is and will be the stage of important events in the world of sports and the city. Inaugurated with the aim of hosting the 1950 World Cup, today it is undergoing a renovation that will serve to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

It was once the biggest soccer stadium in the world, but currently, official measures of 110m X 75m and 186,638mq area do not guarantee this position anymore. Even so, other great facts are part of this Brazilian symbol, such as the passage and consecration of great Brazilian players, such as Pelé and Garrincha.

The origin of the popular name is Guarani and means "like a rattle." At the time of construction, there were in the vicinity many birds called Maracanã-guaçu. Integrated to the sports complex are the Maracanãzinho gymnasium, which has already been the scene of important matches of volleyball, basketball and futsal, as well as non-sporting shows and events; The water park Júlio Delamare and the athletics stadium Célio de Barros.

When visiting the Maracanã, it is possible to take photos from outside, registering the gigantic dimensions of the sports complex. It is also possible to walk along the bike path to get to know the surroundings and other sports complexes, such as the Maracanãzinho, the water park and the athletics stadium.

Within Maracanã, it is possible to visit the museum with the history of the place and know the causeway, where are the marks of the feet of the greatest stars who have passed through the stadium. You can also watch great shows and events. Astros like Madonna, Paul McCartney and Ivete Sangalo have already been there, as well as international events like the 1950 World Cup and the 2007 Pan American.