Football is the national sport of Brazil, where the Brazilian people maintain a fiery, passionate love affair with the game and its players. The Estádio do Maracanã football stadium in Rio de Janeiro opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup, and has since been used to host games between the the major football clubs in Rio de Janeiro. There are four major teams based in Rio de Janeiro, including Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama. The stadium will reach a total capacity of around 85,000 spectators in preparations for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup, the 2015 Copa America, and the 2016 Summer Olympics. While the stadium is currently closed for renovations until 2013, however tickets to the latest games are being played in other local stadiums, and can be purchased in person from the Football Clubs directly. Ask your concierge for the latest information about how to purchase football tickets in Rio de Janeiro.
