Almeidão

The Almeidão was built in remarkably quick time — the whole stadium was completed in just 14 months with funding from the government of the state of Paraíba. It was officially inaugurated on 9 March 1975 with a match between the local Botafogo Futebol Clube of João Pessoa and its more famous namesake, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas of Rio de Janeiro.

From inauguration to records

The stadium is named after José Américo de Almeida Filho, but fans adopted the affectionate nickname Almeidão. Its greatest day came on 15 November 1998, when the state championship final between Botafogo-PB and Campinense drew a record crowd of 44,268 spectators — a figure that today's reduced capacity no longer permits.

• Opened: 9 March 1975
• Construction: 14 months, funded by the state of Paraíba
• Record attendance: 44,268 (1998, Campeonato Paraibano final)

In January 2021 the operation of the stadium passed to a private concession, while ownership remained with the state. For decades the Almeidão has thus stood at the heart of football in Paraíba.

The atmosphere at the Almeidão is at its most intense during the traditional city derbies, when Botafogo-PB, Auto Esporte and CSP face off in João Pessoa. Clashes in the Paraíba state championship galvanise the whole city, and the stands turn into a sea of colour, drums and chanting.

Belo and its faithful

The loudest and most numerous support traditionally belongs to Botafogo-PB, nicknamed Belo, whose fans are among the most passionate in north-eastern Brazil. A packed arena for a state cup final can generate a deafening backdrop, as the record crowd of 1998 amply demonstrated.

• Season highlight: the Campeonato Paraibano final
• Biggest support: Botafogo-PB fans (Belo)
• Typical experience: the drums, flags and singing of north-eastern Brazil

Thanks to João Pessoa's hot tropical climate, matches are often played in the cool of the evening, which gives nights under the Almeidão's floodlights a special intensity and an unmistakable Brazilian charge.

João Pessoa is the easternmost city of the Americas, and the Almeidão sits within its urban fabric, easily reached from the centre and from the coastal neighbourhoods. To attend a match, the simplest option is a taxi or one of the ride-hailing apps that operate routinely across the city.

Getting to the stadium

• By air: Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA) lies about 11 km from the city centre
• Public transport: municipal bus lines serve the arena; check current routes
• By car/taxi: the most convenient option, with parking available nearby
• Tickets: sold ahead of club matches; for big fixtures buying in advance is recommended

After the match, treat yourself to the famous Tambaú beach or to Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of the continent. Expect a warm, humid climate all year round — bring light clothing, water and sunscreen, even for evening matches.