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As a football fan, I’ve been on a lot of stadium tours, but none have given me chills like I had walking onto the field at Estádio do Maracanã. This historic stadium in football-crazy Rio de Janeiro is the Mecca of football. I’ve been on BETTER stadium tours in more beautiful stadiums, but none in a place as significant as Maracanã.
History of Maracanã
The official name of Maracanã is Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho. It was built for the 1950 World Cup and hosted the final, in which Brazil lost to Uruguay 2-1. The attendance to that match was just under 200,000, but after a recent refurbishment, the stadium now holds a mere 78,838. It hosts matches every week of the year for Rio-based clubs and also held the 2014 World Cup Final (Germany defeated Argentina 1-0) and several other World Cup games.
Getting There
The cheapest way to get to Maracanã is by metro. There’s a stop just outside the stadium and a footbridge that ends near the gate for tour tickets.
Tours
Tours are available at the stadium every day but end earlier on match days. You can buy tickets on the official website for guided tours, but you can also just to head to the stadium and get them in person. Tours cost R$75 for a guided tour (as of June 2024).
When I visited, there was an option for self-guided tours as well. It was well worth it and I was able to take my time and enjoy the atmosphere a little longer than with the guided tours.
Lobby
The tour begins in the lobby with an introduction to the stadium and a few legends of Maracanã – a statue of Zico, the ball and net used for Pelé’s 1000th goal, and a bust and footprint of Garrincha.
Also in the lobby is a chair used during a visit to a football match by Queen Elizabeth II in 1968 and a pulpit from Pope John Paul II’s mass at the stadium in 1980.
Press Area
Next is a trip up to the 5th level and the press area. This provides one of the most stunning views of the stadium and a look at where reporters sit to watch the games.
VIP Level
Then it’s down to the 3rd level to see the VIP level. Former players, distinguished guests, club officials, and other celebrities all rub elbows here during big games.
I wasn’t supposed to enter the luxury suites as part of a self-guided tour, but I did and I got in a little trouble for it. Here’s the picture I got before security escorted me out.
Locker Room
The tour got better from there. I was able to enter the locker room used by the Brazilian national football team, or Seleção Brasileira. The uniforms of the team were hung up neatly in each locker. I also got to see the bathroom and the small room where the team warms up before games.
The Field
From there, I followed the tunnel the players use to walk out onto the field. This is where the goosebumps started.
I had a chance to sit on the visiting team bench and got a player’s view of the field. I sat for a while and took it all in. Some of the greatest players in the world have played on the pitch in front of me and sat on the bench I was sitting on.
Press Room
The tour ended through the surprisingly small press room where players and coaches address the media. I have to think there is a larger one somewhere in the stadium.
Conclusion
Even if you aren’t a football fan, a visit to Maracanã is something that helps a visitor to Rio de Janeiro better understand Brazilian life and culture. To many in this country and city, football is life or death, and victory is the only option.
