Verdão

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 March 12, 1975, Fluminense and a selection of Cuiabá faced in a match celebrating partial completion; Cuiabá scored the first goal at Verdão. 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. 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.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered the turf at Pacaembu, blurring the lines between the green pitch and the sea of fans in the stands. A young boy, clutching a worn green scarf, watched as his father pointed to the players emerging from the tunnel. 'See them?' the father whispered over the thunderous chant rising from the crowd. 'That is Verdão. They don't just play for points; they play for us.' As the whistle blew, the stadium erupted, a unified roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the city, proving once again that the Big Green was alive and fighting.

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.

Did You Know?

• Verdão means 'Big Green' in Portuguese.
• The stadium's attendance record of 44,021 was set at its official inauguration match on April 8, 1976, between Flamengo and a combined team of local clubs.
• Mixto's striker Elmo scored eight goals in a 14-0 win over Humaitá on August 9, 1980.
• The stadium was named after José Fragelli, governor of Mato Grosso from March 15, 1971, to March 15, 1975.