Castelão

Estádio Castelão is one of the most important stadiums in north-eastern Brazil. Since opening in the 1970s it has undergone a major modernisation that turned it into a contemporary arena fit to host top-level international tournaments.

Construction and opening

The stadium was inaugurated on 11 November 1973. Its official name, Estádio Governador Plácido Castelo, honours Plácido Aderaldo Castelo (1906--1979), who served as governor of the state of Ceará from 1966 to 1971 and was a leading figure in getting the stadium built. At the time of its opening it was among the largest in the country and became a symbol of north-eastern Brazil's football passion.

Major renovations

The most extensive transformation came with preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The stadium was completely rebuilt and modernised to meet strict FIFA standards -- gaining new stands, improved facilities for players and spectators and modern technical equipment. This renovation made it one of the most modern arenas in the country.

Notable moments

The high point of the stadium's history was the 2014 World Cup, when Castelão hosted six tournament matches, including one quarter-final. In everyday terms, however, the ground lives above all for the meetings of Ceará and Fortaleza -- the local derby known as the Clássico-Rei, one of the most passionate in all of Brazil, which regularly fills the stands.

The atmosphere at Estádio Castelão reflects the exceptional football passion of north-eastern Brazil. When the two city rivals meet on the pitch, the stands holding nearly 57,876 spectators turn into a sea of colour, singing and drumming characteristic of Brazilian football.

Fan culture

The supporters of Ceará Sporting Club (in black and white) and Fortaleza Esporte Clube (in blue, red and white) are among the noisiest in Brazil. A matchday in Fortaleza is accompanied by samba, drums, banners and elaborate choreography that give Castelão its reputation as one of the most colourful grounds in the north-east. The rivalry between the two clubs divides the whole city and turns every derby into a festival.

Big matches

The most anticipated occasion is the city derby Clássico-Rei between Ceará and Fortaleza, one of the oldest and most thrilling in the country. The stadium also witnessed historic moments during the 2014 World Cup, when it welcomed national teams from around the globe and six tournament matches including a quarter-final. Those nights placed Castelão firmly on the map of world football.

Estádio Castelão lies in Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará in north-eastern Brazil. Fortaleza is a large coastal metropolis with an international airport, so the stadium is easily accessible to both domestic and international visitors.

How to get there

• Taxi / ride app: From central Fortaleza and the beaches the journey to the stadium is convenient and the simplest option for international visitors.
• Bus: The stadium is served by city bus routes from various parts of Fortaleza.
• Car: Parking is available at the stadium; on matchdays expect heavier traffic.
• By air: Fortaleza International Airport (Pinto Martins) is within reachable distance of the ground.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Ceará and Fortaleza matches are available through the clubs' official channels and sales points; for the Clássico-Rei derby it is advisable to buy them in advance. Following the 2014 World Cup rebuild, the venue offers modern facilities for spectators.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive? Come early for the derby -- the atmosphere in Fortaleza begins long before kick-off.
• Weather: Fortaleza has a tropical climate -- expect heat and high humidity, so bring water and a hat.
• What to combine: A visit pairs easily with Fortaleza's beaches and lively culture.
• Colours: Pick a side -- black-and-white Ceará or the blue, red and white of Fortaleza.