Estádio Beira-Rio

The history of Beira-Rio is bound up with Sport Club Internacional's ambition to build a modern home worthy of its standing. Construction on the reclaimed land beside the Guaíba River took more than a decade and was carried out in large part thanks to the support of the club's followers.

Construction and opening

The stadium opened in 1969, replacing the Estádio dos Eucaliptos. It was named after the Portuguese engineer José Pinheiro Borda (1897–1965), who supervised its building but died before seeing it completed. The project required vast quantities of fill material to create a solid base for the stands beside the river, making it a long and demanding undertaking.

Major renovations

The most significant transformation came in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The extensive renovation added a new membrane roof, modernised the stands, and upgraded facilities and safety features to FIFA standards. The resulting post-renovation capacity is 49,055 spectators, giving the stadium a contemporary appearance and comfort in line with international requirements.

Notable moments

The stadium staged five matches of the 2014 World Cup, placing Beira-Rio among the twelve venues of that tournament. Beyond the World Cup, the ground has witnessed a long succession of triumphs for Inter, one of Brazil's most decorated clubs, including home ties in continental cups and fiercely contested state championship games.

The atmosphere at Beira-Rio is among the most intense in southern Brazil. Supporters of Sport Club Internacional, proudly nicknamed the colorados after the club's red colour, create a loud and colourful environment at home matches, enhanced by the stadium's setting beside the Guaíba River.

Fan culture

Inter's supporters are among the most passionate in Brazil, and their devotion shows in the chanting, flags and large tifo displays across the stands. The stadium was built in large part through the backing of the fans themselves, which strengthened their bond with the place. Home matches are accompanied by relentless noise and movement, making the Gigante da Beira-Rio an uncomfortable arena for any visiting side.

Big matches

The highlight of every season is the city derby Grenal against rivals Grêmio, one of the most heated derbies in all of Brazil. The stadium also hosted five matches of the 2014 World Cup, when its stands were filled by fans from around the world. Among the memorable occasions are the continental cups, in which Internacional achieved its greatest international successes on home soil.

Estádio Beira-Rio lies on the western edge of Porto Alegre beside the Guaíba River, within reach of city transport. Porto Alegre is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and is served by Salgado Filho International Airport, with regular connections to other Brazilian and international destinations.

How to get there

• By car or taxi: The stadium is easily reached from central Porto Alegre along the roads running beside the river; parking areas with several thousand spaces are available at the ground.
• By public transport: City bus lines serve the area around the stadium and are reinforced on matchdays.
• On matchday: Allow extra time, as the approach roads and car parks fill up before kick-off.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Sport Club Internacional matches are sold through the club's official channels and at the stadium box office before games. Demand is highest for the Grenal derby and continental cup ties, when it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: Come well before kick-off, as the atmosphere in the stands builds long before the start.
• What to expect: For derbies and major matches expect full stands and the loud backdrop typical of Brazilian football.
• Surroundings: The riverside location by the Guaíba offers pleasant views; central Porto Alegre has a wide choice of restaurants serving local gaúcho cuisine.