Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha

A 72,000 seating capacity means Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha is among the biggest stadiums in South America. It is also considered one of the most expensive venues, having gobbled up an estimated $1 billion in construction costs.

For visiting fans, there is plenty to experience inside and around Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha.

While away seat allocation depends on factors such as match type, competition and security, Brazil’s football regulations dictate that away fans get allocated 5% – 10% of a stadium’s capacity.

Away fans who visit Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha usually occupy seats in upper-tier corners or behind one of the goals.

Notably, the stadium is primarily used by the Brazil National Football Team, so there is no permanent fixed away end.

While there have been no major developments at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha since 2013, there have been plenty of reports suggesting the venue will eventually be transformed into a housing complex.

Given the massive size of Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, which makes it underutilised, many locals have called for its demolition to pave the way for a housing project. This, they argue, will be of more benefit to the residents.

Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha was built in 2013 to serve as a venue for the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup. The stadium is located in Brasilia and currently serves as the home to the Brasília Futebol Clube.

Designed by Castro Mellos architects and GMP, Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha’s outlook was inspired by the works of Oscar Niemeyer, a modernist and a monumental architect. It features forest-like columns and a spaceship form.

The ground was initially constructed in 1974. It would later undergo a renovation that increased its capacity for the 2014 World Cup. The initial capacity in 1974 was around 45,000.

The ground’s current capacity of 72,000 makes Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha one of the largest stadiums in South America.

Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha is located close to famous tourist spots in Brasília. The city’s transport system is primarily designed for those who have private means, so walking around is not a good idea.

However, it is always safe to take a stroll to a nearby bar or a shopping centre. Liberty Mall and Brasilia Shopping Centre, both located in Asa Norte, are worth checking out.

Best pubs for away fans

• Modesto Bar, Srpn Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, S/N – Asa Norte, Brasília – DF, 70070-701, Brasil
• Brazolia Cozinha e Bar, SGO Q 3 – Brasília, DF, 70655-775, Brasil
• Carcassonne Pub, Asa Norte CLN 407, Bloco E Loja 37 – Asa Norte, Brasília – DF, 70855-550, Brasil

While you can take snacks and drinks inside the stadium, we also recommend checking out nearby hotels and restaurants for something different.

Our top three suggestions are:

• ibis Styles Brasília Aeroporto, Setor de Concessionarias, Aeroporto Int de Brasília, Lote 02 – Taguatinga, Brasília – DF, 71608-900, Brasil
• Golden Tulip Brasília Alvorada, SHTN Trecho 1 – Asa Norte, Brasília – DF, 70800-200, Brasil
• Hotel Athos Bulcão Hplus Executive, SHN Q. 5, BL D – Asa Norte, Brasília – DF, 70705-000, Brasil

Given the costly recent major renovations, disabled facilities at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha are world-class and hence meet the requisite regulations.

Wheelchair manoeuvrability and an array of accessible lofts and ramps are just some of the features implemented into the stadium to ensure disabled fans have a pleasant matchday experience.

The location of Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in the central part of Brasília makes it easy to reach. The stadium is about 1.5 km away from the central metro station, making it well-connected to other parts of Brasília.

With that, those who want to drive to the stadium will be able to do so quite easily. The stadium’s physical address is: Srpn Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha s/n, Brasília – DF, 70070-701

By train/metro

The train and metro access also provide a great option for those visiting the stadium. Since the ground is only a 10-minute walk from the Central Metro Station, this would clearly be the best option for visitors who want to get there.

By bus

The bus that serves Eixo Monumental can also be used to reach the stadium from the central station. It is a great option for those who want to avoid walking to the venue.

Rodoferroviaria is the bus terminal located in the western section of the Eixo Monumental. It is around 4.5 km away from the stadium. Numerous local buses ply the route from the terminal to the stadium, and their connectivity to the city centre is also excellent.

Where to park near Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha

Apart from being incredibly easy to access by car, Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha also has fantastic parking facilities in the surrounding areas.

Using Parkopedia is a great way to find these car parks near the stadium. The platform should also allow you to book a parking space beforehand.

We recommend the on-site Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha car park. It has over 5000 spaces and is a mere two-minute walk to the stadium’s entrance.

The Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha is a massive colossus of construction that has to be felt from within even when games are not taking place.

For this purpose, one can get access to the stadium through tours that are available. These are not open throughout the year and fans have to check with the stadium to ensure this service is available upon their visit.

Opened in 1974, the stadium pays homage to one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players, Garrincha. The first match played at the ground was played on March 10 of the same year, featuring Corinthians and CEUB.

Unlike many old grounds, Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha has not been renovated regularly, especially in the late 2000s. As a result, it degraded and became unusable.

However, in 2013, all that changed. The ground received major renovations ahead of the 2013 Confederations Cup, transforming it into one of the most expensive stadiums in the world.

The improvements thereafter allowed the stadium to host matches at the 2014 World Cup. Renovations reportedly gobbled up a staggering £700 million. It has since hosted many other major sporting events, including the 2016 Summer Olympics.