Verdão
The Big Green of Cuiabá
Estádio Governador José Fragelli, usually known as Verdão, was a multi-purpose stadium in Cuiabá, Brazil. It was used mostly for football matches, originally held around 40,000 people (later reduced to 35,000 before demolition), and was built in 1976. It was replaced by a new stadium in the city, seating about 44,097, that was used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Facts
- Nickname origin
- Green and white colors
- Primary identity
- The Big Green
- Founding year
- 1976
- Key rivalry
- N/A (home to multiple clubs, no single rivalry)
- Status
- Demolished (2010)
Lore & Background
Verdão is owned by the Mato Grosso state government. The stadium was named after José Fragelli, who was Mato Grosso's governor from March 15, 1971, to March 15, 1975, during the time of the stadium's construction. Verdão means 'Big Green' in Portuguese. It was the home stadium of Mixto, Dom Bosco and Operário. Construction started in 1972, with a planned capacity initially of 50,000 (later revised) and architectural design by Silvano Wendel. The stadium was the reason for harsh criticism of the administration of Fragelli. Budgeted at Cr$1,200,000.00, the work started under Fragelli and was completed in 1976 under administration of José Garcia Neto. On April 8, 1976, the stadium was officially inaugurated with a match between Flamengo and a combined team of clubs (Mixto, Operário, Dom Bosco) attended by over 44,000 fans. The first official goal at Verdão was scored in that match. A separate match, Mixto beating Dom Bosco 2-0 with the first goal by Mixto's Pastoril, took place on a different date. The attendance record is 44,021, set in the official inauguration match. On August 9, 1980, Mixto beat Humaitá 14-0; Mixto's striker Elmo scored eight goals. For the 2014 World Cup, Cuiabá was announced as a host city on May 31, 2009. Demolition of Verdão started on April 26, 2010, and was completed later that year. The new stadium, Arena Pantanal, was built adjacent to the former site.
Reader's Guide
Verdão was located in Cuiabá, Brazil. It was a multi-purpose stadium used mostly for football. It held 55,000 people. It was the home of Mixto, Dom Bosco, and Operário. The stadium was demolished in 2010 and replaced by Arena Pantanal.
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