One summer day in Rio, I walked with a crowd towards the famous Ginásio Do Maracanãzinho. An old friend told me about a volleyball game there that had everyone on the edge of their seats. He said the stadium still remembers the cheers and excitement from that day. This place isn’t just a building; it’s where Brazil’s love for volleyball comes alive. Join me as we discover the charm and stories of Ginásio Do Maracanãzinho, a place full of memories and heartbeats.

History

Ginásio do Maracanãzinho, also known as Ginasio Gilberto Cardoso or Maracanãzinho, is an indoor arena located in Maracanã in the north zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium was opened on September 24, 1954, and is owned by Superintendência de Desportos do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. The vast stadium is primarily used for volleyball events, but it has also hosted other sporting events, cultural events, and concerts. Here is a brief history of Ginásio do Maracanãzinho:

• Construction: Maracanãzinho’s construction started on April 13, 1954, and lasted for only five months. It was built by Construtora Prolar S.A. The architects were Rafael Galvão, Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos, Orlando Azevedo, and Antônio Dias Carneiro, and the engineer was Joaquim Cardoso.
• Inauguration: The gymnasium was inaugurated on September 24, 1954, with that year’s Men’s Basketball World Championship, for which it had a capacity for 25,000 spectators. The arena also hosted the 1963 event of the same competition, with the home team, coached by Kanela, taking the gold medal, its second Men’s Basketball World Championship in a row.
• Beauty pageants: During the 1950s and the 1960s, the Miss Guanabara and Miss Brazil beauty pageants were held in Maracanãzinho.
• Music festivals: Several national and international music festivals were held in the gymnasium during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Renovation: The stadium underwent a major renovation for the 2007 Pan American Games, which included new central air conditioning, a four-sided scoreboard, a new sound system, and comfortable seating.
• Sporting events: Ginásio do Maracanãzinho is primarily used for volleyball events, including the 1960 and 1990 Men’s Volleyball World Championships. The stadium has also hosted other sporting events, such as basketball, wrestling, and judo championships.
• Cultural events: The stadium has also been used for cultural events, including concerts by famous artists such as Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, and Coldplay.

Overall, Ginásio do Maracanãzinho is a significant venue in Brazilian sports and cultural history and continues to attract visitors from around the world. The stadium has a rich history of hosting a range of sporting events, cultural events, and concerts, and it continues to be a versatile and modern venue.

Renovations

Here are some of the major renovations that have been made to Ginásio do Maracanãzinho:

• In 2007, the arena underwent a major renovation in preparation for the 2007 Pan American Games. The renovation included the installation of new seating, a new sound system, and a new lighting system.
• In 2013, the arena underwent another major renovation in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The renovation included the installation of a new roof, a new air conditioning system, and new scoreboards.
• In 2019, the arena underwent a minor renovation to prepare for the 2019 FIVB Volleyball World Cup. The renovation included the installation of new flooring and new lighting fixtures.

In addition to these major renovations, the arena has also undergone a number of minor renovations over the years. These renovations have included things like painting the interior and exterior of the arena, repairing the roof, and replacing the seats.

The renovations that have been made to Ginásio do Maracanãzinho have made it one of the most modern and up-to-date indoor arenas in the world. The arena is now able to host a wide range of sporting events, including volleyball, basketball, and handball.

Location

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kLmS1eCNGQq9zHNa7

How to Get There

• By public transportation: Take the bus or subway to the nearest station and walk to the stadium. The nearest subway station to Ginásio do Maracanãzinho is Maracanã, which is a 10-minute walk away. Visitors can check the stadium’s website or other transportation websites for more information on bus routes and schedules.
• By car: You can park at Ginásio do Maracanzinho. Users of navigation apps such as Waze can get real-time driving directions based on live traffic updates and road conditions.
• On foot: If you’re staying nearby, you can walk to Ginásio do Maracanã.

Opening Hours

The opening hours vary depending on the day of the week and whether there are any events scheduled. On days when there are no events scheduled, the arena is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On days when there are events scheduled, the arena is typically open for two hours before the event starts and for one hour after the event ends.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of Ginásio do Maracanãzinho’s opening hours:

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (unless there is an event scheduled)
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (unless there is an event scheduled)
• Sunday: Closed (unless there is an event scheduled)

Events Hosted at Ginásio do Maracanãzinho’s

Ginásio do Maracanãzinho has hosted a wide range of major events over the years, including:

• 1960 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship
• 1963 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship
• 1990 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship
• 2007 Pan American Games
• 2016 Summer Olympics men’s volleyball tournament
• 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship
• 2019 FIVB Volleyball World Cup
• 2022 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League

In addition to sporting events, Ginásio do Maracanãzinho has also hosted a number of concerts and other cultural events. Some of the notable performers who have appeared at the arena include:

• Michael Jackson
• Madonna
• Beyoncé
• Elton John
• U2
• Rolling Stones
• Coldplay

Upcoming events

Here are some of the upcoming events at Ginásio do Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

• January 20, 2024: Show by Brazilian singer Gusttavo Lima.
• January 27, 2024: Men’s Superliga volleyball match between Flamengo and Minas Tênis Clube.
• February 3, 2024: Show by Brazilian singer-songwriter Caetano Veloso.
• February 10, 2024: NBB basketball match between Flamengo and São Paulo.
• February 17, 2024: Show by Brazilian rock band Titãs.

Facilities and Amenities

The stadium is primarily used for volleyball events, but it has also hosted other sporting events, cultural events, and concerts. Here are some of the facilities and amenities available at the stadium:

Facilities

• Seating: The stadium has a capacity of 11,800 spectators.
• Sports facilities: It was used for the 1960 and 1990 Men’s Volleyball World Championships. The stadium has also hosted other sporting events such as basketball, wrestling, and judo championships.
• Locker rooms: Athletes have access to the stadium’s locker rooms.
• Parking: The stadium has parking areas for visitors.

Amenities

• Concession stands: The stadium has concession stands that offer a range of food and beverages for visitors.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the stadium.
• Accessibility: Visitors with disabilities can access the stadium

Places Around the Stadium

Ginásio do Maracanãzinho is located in Maracanã, in the north zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium is situated next to the Maracanã Stadium, which is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Visitors to Ginásio do Maracanãzinho can explore the following places around the stadium:

• Maracanã Stadium: The Maracanã Stadium is one of the most famous stadiums in the world and is located next to Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium and learn about its history and significance.
• Museu do Futebol: The Museu do Futebol is a museum dedicated to Brazilian football and is located near Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. The museum features exhibits on the history of Brazilian football, famous players, and important matches.
• Quinta da Boa Vista: Quinta da Boa Vista is a park located near Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. The park features a zoo, a lake, and several museums, including the National Museum of Brazil.
• Paço de São Cristóvão: Paço de São Cristóvão is a former imperial palace located near Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. The palace now houses the National Museum of Brazil, which features exhibits on Brazilian history, culture, and science.
• Estatua do Bellini: The Estatua do Bellini is a statue located near Ginásio do Maracanãzinho that honours Hilderaldo Bellini, the captain of the Brazilian national football team that won the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

As the sun sets over Rio, the echoes of thrilling games and roaring fans linger in the walls of Ginásio Do Maracanãzinho. This isn’t just any stadium; it’s where countless memories have been made, where stories of triumph and passion have been written. Every corner holds a tale, every seat has witnessed history. And as I walk away, I carry with me the warmth and spirit of a place that truly celebrates the love of volleyball. Until next time, Maracanãzinho, keep the spirit alive!

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