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Brazil’s 12 Stadiums for the 2014 Soccer World Cup

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFootball is HUGE in Brazil.  The fire and passion of a match, especially a World Cup game, is electrifying and exciting.  The country is currently preparing to host the 2014 World Cup, and there are 12 stadiums around the country that will be used.

Even if you do not plan to watch a game, football fans will love just seeing the stadiums and imagining the fever on the pitch.

The World Cup Stadiums in Brazil are:

1. Minairao, Belo Horizonte

Within the state of Minas Gerais and with a capacity of 67,000, Minairao is set to host six World Cup matches, which will include one semi-final game.  It is the country’s second biggest stadium.  The stadium’s official name is Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto, named after a previous state governor.

2. National Stadium, Brasilia

Officially named Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha after a renowned national football player, the National Stadium in the country’s capital city is one of only two national stadiums that will host seven World Cup matches.  Amongst the seven matches will be the one that decides third place in the competition.  It has a capacity of just over 71,000 and is one of the country’s most expensive stadiums.

3. Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba

This stadium is in the state of Mato Grosso and is called Estadio Jose Fragelli.  It was named after a previous state governor.  It is also often called Verdao, which means the Big Green, due to the main colours both inside and out.  Four World Cup games will be played at Arena Pantanal.  The stadium has a capacity of 43,600.

4. Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

In the state of Parana, this stadium is named after the founder of the International Football Club – the official name is Estadio Joaquim Americo Guimaraes.  It can hold 42,000 people and will host four 2014 World Cup Games.  Take note that the area will be cold when the matches are played here!

5. Castelao, Fortaleza

Named after a former state governor, the official title of the stadium is Estadio Governador Placido Castelo.  It has a capacity of a little over 67,000 and six World Cup Games will be played here.  The Brazilian team will play here at least once, possibly twice, if you’re looking to see the stars in action!

6. Arena Amazonia, Manaus

In the state of Amazonas, the official stadium name is Estadio Vivaldo Lima.  It was named after a man who was both a politician and a doctor.  The stadium can hold 44,000 people and there are four games set to be played here.

Brazilstadiums7. Arena das Dunas, Natal

The full name of the arena is Arena das Dunas – Estadio Joao Carlos de Vasconcelos Machado.  It combines the names of the City of Dunes, owing to the large number of dunes along the coast, and the engineers that designed the old stadium.  It has a relatively small capacity of 32,000 and will host four games.

 

8. Beira-Rio, Porto Alegra

With a capacity of 56,000 and in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, there will be five World Cup games played here.  The official name is Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda.

9. Arena Pernambuco, Recife

This stadium is situated in the city of Sao Lourenco da Mata, which is in the Recife metropolitan area.  It is in the state of Pernambuco.  Be aware of the fact that the city has very little facilities and amenities for visitors – you should stay in the nearby city of Recife! It can hold 46,000 people and will see five World Cup games being played.

10. Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

The large, lively, and popular city of Rio de Janeiro, within the state of the same name, is home to Brazil’s largest stadium!  It has a capacity of 67,000.  It will host seven World Cup matches, including the final.  The stadium’s official name is Estadia Journalista Mario Filho, named after a journalist.

11. Fonte Nova, Salvador

Estadio Otavio Mangabeira, named after a past state governor, is in the state of Bahia.  The city of Salvador is popular with visitors and has a great infrastructure for guests.  It will host six World Cup matches, and the capacity is 50,000.

12. Arena Itaquera, Sao Paulo

Within the state and city of Sao Paulo, this stadium has a capacity of 48,000 and will host six World Cup football games.  The opening match will be played here on June 12th 2014.  As yet, the stadium has no official name.

If you are planning on attending a World Cup match in Brazil, you should make sure that you book your accommodation and transport well in advance, as rooms and tickets fill up and sell out incredibly quickly.  It also pays to learn some of the local lingo to fully enjoy the atmosphere and experience.  Not only will you be able to get around easier, but you can also indulge in pre and post match banter, understand commentaries, and even join in with some favourite chants and songs when watching the national team!

Are you planning on catching any of the matches at these stadiums?