Nilton Santos Stadium

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Lore & Background

The stadium's construction began in 2003 with an estimated budget of R$60 million, but the final cost soared to R$380 million (US$192 million), exceeding estimates by 533%. It opened on June 30, 2007, when Botafogo defeated Fluminense 2–1 in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match attended by 43,810 spectators. The first goal was scored by Fluminense's Alex Dias, who received the Valdir Pereira Trophy named after Didi. Because Botafogo won the inaugural match, they were awarded the João Havelange Trophy. During the 2007 Pan American Games in July, the venue hosted athletics and twelve football matches.

In Their Own Story

On September 10, 2008, the Brazilian national team played their first match at the venue against Bolivia for 2010 World Cup Qualification, ending in a 0–0 draw. While Botafogo secured the lease, Flamengo and Fluminense also called this home from the 2010–11 through 2012–13 seasons while Maracanã underwent renovations. However, structural issues with the roof forced a closure starting in March 2013. Announced on June 8, 2013, the stadium required at least 18 months of reconstruction and remained closed until 2015 for repairs. A minor incident occurred earlier on August 11, 2007, when a 15-meter long and 6-meter high wall collapsed without injuring anyone. The venue officially reopened in time for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Reader's Guide

Fans traveling from Zona Sul, Downtown, Tijuca, or Barra must reach Central do Brasil subway and train station first. From there, taking the Japeri, Santa Cruz, or Deodoro lines to Olímpica de Engenho de Dentro station takes about 25 minutes. To return, supporters should head to the west sector near the south sector (Rua José dos Reis with Rua Arquias Cordeiro) to catch the train back to Central do Brasil. The stadium's capacity was increased to 60,000 specifically for the Olympic Games. It remains one of the top 10 biggest stadiums in Brazilian Série A. According to an exclusive BolaVip Brasil survey, it leads the league with 185 bars and restaurants within a 2km radius, making it the best-served stadium in the country for pre-game festivities.

Did You Know?

• The stadium cost R$380 million to build, which was 533% higher than the original estimated budget of R$60 million.
• Inaugural match tickets were exchanged for donations of powdered milk, with 43,810 fans attending Botafogo's 2–1 win over Fluminense.
• A 15-meter long and 6-meter high wall collapsed on August 11, 2007, but nobody was hurt.
• The stadium leads the Série A ranking with 185 bars and restaurants within a 2km radius according to a BolaVip Brasil survey.

Origins and Inauguration

Built from 2003 through to 2007 at a cost of R$380 million (US$192 million), six times the original budget, the stadium opened on June 30, 2007. The inaugural match saw Botafogo beat Fluminense 2–1 before 43,810 fans who exchanged tickets for powdered milk donations. Alex Dias scored the first goal and received the Valdir Pereira Trophy; Botafogo won the João Havelange Trophy.

Naming Legacy

Known locally as Engenhão due to its location in Engenho de Dentro, it was originally named João Havelange Stadium. In 2015, it became Estádio Nilton Santos, and on February 2017, the city officially renamed it Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos. The name honors Nílton Santos, a defender who spent his whole career with Botafogo.

International Events and Operations

The stadium hosted athletics at the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, was one of five venues for the 2021 Copa América, and held twelve football games during the 2007 Pan American Games. Flamengo and Fluminense played home matches here from 2010–11 through 2012–13. It closed in March 2013 for roof repairs, reopening in 2015. Owned by the City of Rio de Janeiro, it is leased to Botafogo until at least 2051.

Capacity and Fan Amenities

Capacity reached 60,000 for the Games. It ranks among the 10 biggest Série A stadiums. A BolaVip Brasil survey notes 185 bars and restaurants within a 2km radius. Access is via Central do Brasil to Olímpica de Engenho de Dentro station on Japeri, Santa Cruz, or Deodoro lines.