Mané Garrincha

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The stadium's journey began with its completion in 1974, where Corinthians defeated CEUB 2–1 in the inaugural match, scored by Vaguinho. It served as the final concert venue for Mamonas Assassinas on March 2, 1996, before the band's fatal plane crash the following day, and hosted a chaotic 1988 Legião Urbana show where bombs were thrown at the stage, though the performance continued after a brief pause. In July 2007, Governor Jose Roberto Arruda announced plans to expand capacity to 100,000 seats, though the final cost of reconstruction hit US$900 million against a US$300 million budget, a figure sometimes cited as making it one of the most expensive stadiums globally. Since December 2019, the venue has been under private administration by Arena BSB company, honoring its namesake who won World Cups in 1958 and 1962.

In Their Own Story

On June 15, 2013, the newly reopened stadium hosted Brazil's first match since reconstruction, a 3–0 victory over Japan with goals from Neymar, Paulinho, and Jô. The crowd of more than 67,000 fans set a new attendance record for the venue. Just one year later, on June 15, 2014, it opened the Brasília leg of the 2014 World Cup as Switzerland defeated Ecuador 2–1, a match decided by Haris Seferovic's late winner. The stadium also witnessed Brazil's heartbreaking third-place loss to the Netherlands 3–0 on July 12, 2014, where goals from Robin van Persie, Daley Blind, and Georginio Wijnaldum capped a tournament where Brazil allowed more goals than in any previous World Cup. Before these global events, the venue saw Gama win their first national trophy against Londrina in 1998 with an attendance of 51,200.

Reader's Guide

Visiting the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha requires knowing its unique timeline and seating facts. The stadium features red chairs, confirmed by Secopa-DF on October 4, 2012, contrasting with the modernist structure designed by Ícaro de Castro Mello. Located within Brasília's Ayrton Senna Sports Complex alongside the Nilson Nelson Gymnasium, it is now privately administered. Fans should note that while originally named for Governor Hélio Prates da Silveira in 1975, it was renamed to honor Mané Garrincha during the 1980s. The venue hosted seven matches during the 2014 World Cup, including the decisive third-place playoff.

Did You Know?

• The stadium's reconstruction cost US$900 million, exceeding the original budget of US$300 million.
• It hosted Mamonas Assassinas' final concert on March 2, 1996, before the band's fatal plane crash the following day.
• A Legião Urbana show in June 1988 was interrupted by homemade bombs thrown at the stage, but the concert continued after a brief pause.
• The stadium has held two major attendance records: 51,200 in 1998 and over 67,000 in June 2013.
• It was re-inaugurated on May 18, 2013, with a Brasiliense vs. Brasília match that ended 3–0.