Football Mecca!

• Review
• Sunday, May 25, 2008

Brazil’s passion for football (or soccer, for North American readers…) is famous world-wide, and a visit to the legendary Maracaná stadium should be right at the top of any Rio itinerary. Even if you’re not a fan of the ‘beautiful game’, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere – drumming, singing, dancing and flag-waving are all part of the Maracaná experience. The giant stadium may no longer be the world’s biggest, but it’s still a major source of national pride for Brazilians, and its spectacular setting beneath jagged mountains certainly adds to the appeal. Hotels and hostels will often arrange group trips to a game, but it’s perfectly easy (and much cheaper) to get here by yourself. The Maracaná metro station sits right next to the stadium itself, and tickets can be bought at the gate (note that for big matches such as local derbies, tickets will sell out and those available from touts will be pricey – if you’re thinking of attending such a game it’s worth buying tickets in advance). The cheapest seats are the cadeiras azuis, or blue seats, that surround the pitch itself. You’ll get a good view of the play from here, but for a livelier atmosphere it’s worth paying the extra to sit or stand in the tier above.Be careful during big derby games (such as Flamengo/Botafogo, Flamengo/Vasco or Flamengo/Fluminense)  – the atmosphere can get heated so don’t risk aggression by wearing team colours! Flamengo are the most famous and, historically, the most succesful of the Rio teams, but those who support other teams often bear a grudge towards ‘Flamengistas’, as supporters of the team are known.Ticket prices start at around R$20 for the cadeiras azuis, but can double or even triple for cup finals or Carioca derbies.