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World Cup 2014 Stadium Guide – Estadio Do Maracana

By on June 2, 2014

Estadio Do Maracana

Capacity: 74689
Matches Hosting:
Argentina v Bosnia-Hercegovina, 15 June; Spain v Chile, 18 June; Belgium v Russia, 22 June; Equador v France, 25 June; Second-round, Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D, 28 June; Quarter-final, Winner Second-round 5 v Winner Second-round 6, 4 July; World Cup final, 13 July

If there is one single place that is the home, symbol, and heart of Brazilian football, it is the Estadio Do Maracana. The stadium was host to the final of the 1950 World Cup. Pele scored his 1,000th career goal on its legendary pitch. It has been the annual host of the Copa America final for some time. In a city with nearly 2,000,000 visitors every year, the Maracana, a stadium, is the second most visited destination in Rio de Janeiro. So it is only fitting that the Maracana will be host of the final of the first World Cup in Brazil for over sixty-four years.

Known for it’s flat, almost plate like stands, it might not be the best stadium to watch a match at, but it certainly is big and has a historical and memorable feel to it. Back in 1950 199,850 people filled the stadium to watch the 1950 World Cup final, its highest capacity ever, and although the Maracana’s capacity has been brought down tenfold in the sixty-four years since it is still the biggest World Cup venue this summer, holding a crowd 74,689 strong at its limit. And its the Maracana after all, so the atmosphere will undoubtedly be incredible during the World Cup.

Even after its major reconstruction, estimated to cost $500 million by Bloomberg, in which its second tier of seating was torn down to make way for a one tier bowl, the lucky 74,689 who will fill its seats during the final will be in for once in a lifetime experience.

The stadium has also hosted Frank Sinatra, Madonna, The Police, Sting, Paul McCartney, and Pope John Paul II, while it is filled by Brazilian football clubs Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, on a more regular basis. The World Cup may be belittled by the controversy surrounding its other venues, but the Maracana is still glorified.
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About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.