Maracana & Football Games in Rio

The connection between Brazil and football is really strong and the national arena Maracana is famous around the world. Going to football games here is easy and fun, an extatic atmosphere compensates for lack in quality. The growing commercialism in football has drained The Brazilian league of most talent, almost all decent players are abroad. The national league starts in April and ends in December, from January to April there are the prestigous State Championships to watch.

Getting To the Games
Going to Maracana is best done by subway or on organized tours. The subway takes you all the way to the stadium, if itīs a night game or a bigger game it could be a bit dodgy. You buy the tickets in front of the entrance, if there are no tickets left you will have to try to get them from one of the hawkers lurking about. The more expensive arquibancada are on the rafters and more fun since you thatīs where the fans are. Ticket prices vary depending on the game, they start at around 20R$ up to 80R$.

Going organized is a convenient and safe option, the prices are not bad. Operators offer this service in most hostels and hotels. The team Vasco da Gama play many home games at São Januário, getting there is only recommendable organized since it is located in a rough neighbourhood and public transport options not are safe. For your own safety it is good not to wear any team colours; Yes, there are bad football fans in Brazil too.

Guided Tour at Maracana
Daytime you can visit the stadium and get at guided tour. Itīs open everyday 9h/17h, gamedays itīs 8h/11h. Call 2299-2941 to confirm.

The Different Teams
There are four big teams in Rio, most of them play all their home games at Maracana since their own arenas are too small or too bad. I will give a short description of all the teams below so you can choose the right team for you to support.

Flamengo The biggest team in Brazil has a wide support , there are many supporters all around Brazil. The colours are red and black. There is no real conection between the neighbourhood Flamengo and the team. A nickname for a Flamengo supporter is Urubú (vulture in English). It is a team for the poor although many people from all social classes support the team. Had big success in the 80īs when they were lead by superstar Zico.

Botafogo The black and white team has less supporters but lots of tradition. In the 1960īs they dominated Brazilian football and there were no less then 9 players from Botafogo in the World Cup Champion squad of 1962, among them arguable Brazilīs most talented player of all time: Garrincha. The supporters of Botafogo are dedicated and you find many writers and other cultural professions on the rafters. Most supporters are over 60 years old. They have the smallest support of the Rio teams.

Vasco da Gama Also black and white Vasco is traditionally the team of the Portuguese immigrants, itīs the second largest club in Rio. The rivalry with Flamengo is big and derbys with them many times result in fighting in the streets. Their best player was the striker Roberto Dinamite who scored loads of goals during the 1970īs. Nickname for a Vasco fan is Bacalhão (cod) derived from the Portuguese tradition of eating dried cod.

Fluminense Green, red and white, known as Tricolor is the traditional club of the wealthier. Rivellino is one of the greatest Fluminense players of all time. Just like with Flamengo most supporters are not living in Rio. Being supported by rich and powerful people they are jokingly more famous for their performances in court rather than on the field; Their skilled lawyers have wiggled them out of some relegations and other difficulties a few times.

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