Maracanã Stadium

sports · architecture · Brazil

World Cup Host. Maracanã Stadium was built in Rio de Janeiro to host the 1950 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world. It became instantly famous when nearly 200,000 fans packed in to watch the matches.

Enormous Arena. The stadium sits in the Maracanã neighborhood and is so huge that it held more spectators than almost any other soccer field on Earth. Its size made it perfect for hosting massive international sporting events.

Two Teams Share. Today, Maracanã is owned by the Rio de Janeiro state government but managed by two local soccer clubs, Flamengo and Fluminense, who both call it home and play their biggest matches there.

Volleyball Arena Next Door. Right beside the main stadium is a smaller arena called Maracanãzinho, which means 'little Maracanã,' and it's mostly used for volleyball competitions and other events.