Maracanã: Stories, Curiosities and What to Do at the Most Famous Stadium in the World

The Jornalista Mário Filho Stadium, better known as Maracanã , is much more than a stadium — it is a true temple of world football. Located in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, it was built to host the 1950 World Cup , when Brazil hosted the biggest football event for the first time.

The project began in 1948 , with a challenging and grandiose construction for the time. The idea was to have the largest stadium in the world, capable of receiving more than 200 thousand people , which actually happened in the final of the 1950 World Cup, in the famous episode known as the "Maracanazo" , when Brazil lost to Uruguay in a packed stadium.

Since then, Maracanã has become the stage for historic moments, not only in football, but also in music, Olympic sports and Brazilian culture.

📜 Stories from Maracanã:

⚽ The Largest Audience in History The official record was in the 1950 World Cup final, when 199,854 people watched the match between Brazil and Uruguay, which became known as the “Maracanazo” , one of the biggest upsets in the history of football.

🌍 🎶 Maracanã beyond football

The stadium has hosted legendary shows such as:

• Frank Sinatra (1980) – audience of 180 thousand people

• Paul McCartney (1990) – world record stadium attendance for a solo concert (184,000 people)

• Madonna, Rolling Stones, U2 and other giants of world music

In addition, it hosted historic events such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the finals of the 2014 World Cup and Copa América .

👣 Football Walk of Fame Around the stadium, you can see the casts of the feet of legends such as Pelé, Zico, Garrincha, Romário, Ronaldo Fenômeno, Marta , among other icons of world football.

🥇 Records and Titles The stadium has been the stage for historic moments in Brazilian and world football, including the finals of the Libertadores, World Cup, Olympics and Copa América.

🎥 Film and Documentary Setting Maracanã has appeared in several films, series, soap operas and documentaries about football and Brazilian culture.

⚽ Curiosities about Maracanã

• The name "Maracanã" comes from the river that runs close to the stadium.

• In 1969, Pelé scored his 1,000th goal at Maracanã.

• The stadium once had pure concrete stands, without seats, holding almost twice as many as it does today.

• It was completely renovated for the 2014 World Cup, becoming more modern, safe and accessible.

🎟️ What to Do at Maracanã – Visit Experience:

For those who are passionate about football, history or Brazilian culture, a visit to Maracanã is a must! During the guided tour, you can:

🔸 Internal Guided Tour (Optional)

• Visit the stadium's backstage: changing rooms, mixed zone, bench and even the pitch.

• See displays of trophies, historic shirts and striking photos.

• Walking through the field, very close to the lawn.

• Get to know the changing rooms used by the stars.

• Visit the press room and stands.

• See up close trophies, boots, shirts and historical items from legends such as Pelé, Zico, Garrincha, Romário, Ronaldo and many others.

• Take that photo on the bench or holding a symbolic cup.

🔸 Stop for External Photos

• Many city tours (like our " A Day in Rio ") make an outside photo stop at the stadium's iconic facade and the Walk of Fame.

🔸 Watch a Game or Event

• Living the experience of a Flamengo, Fluminense or Brazilian national team game at Maracanã is something unforgettable, with flags, chants and all the excitement of the Rio fans.

📌 Practical information:

• Opening hours: Daily, from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)

• Duration of visit: About 1 hour

• Location: Professor Eurico Rabelo Street, Maracanã – Rio de Janeiro

• How to get there: Metro, bus, taxi or guided tour

❤️ Why visit Maracanã?

Because it's not just a stadium. It's a place where stories of overcoming, joy, passion and even sadness come together. It's about feeling the energy that moves millions of people in Brazil and around the world.

💡 Conclusion

Maracanã is not just a stadium — it is a living piece of Brazilian history, where dreams, victories, tears and joys come together. Visitors feel the energy and emotion that only this place can offer.

🌟 Tip from Rodrigo Indian Tours:

Combine your visit to Maracanã with our " One Day in Rio " Tour , which also passes by the Sambadrome, Cathedral, Selarón Steps, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. It's a complete and unforgettable experience!

➡️ Do you want to live this experience? Talk to us and include Maracanã in your itinerary