Estádio Fonte Nova
Foto: Agência Brasil · CC BY 3.0 br · zdroj
- Capacity
- 60,000
- Year opened
- 1951
- Club
- —
- Country
- Brazil
Overview
About the stadium
Estádio Fonte Nova is a football stadium in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The current modern ground, officially the Arena Fonte Nova, opened in 2013 with a capacity of 60,000 spectators on the site of an older stadium. It is used primarily for football and was one of the host venues of the FIFA World Cup.
Location and surroundings
The stadium stands in the central part of Salvador, the capital of Bahia state on the coast of northeastern Brazil. It was built on the very same site as its predecessor, the original Estádio Fonte Nova, which was also known as Estádio Octávio Mangabeira. The ground earned the nickname Fonte Nova because of its location on Ladeira das Fontes das Pedras.
Main uses
The arena is dedicated mainly to football. The current Arena Fonte Nova served as one of the host venues of the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. It continues a long tradition at a site historically used by Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória as their home stadium.
History
Journey through time
The history of this site reaches back to the mid-20th century and spans both an original stadium and its modern successor. The present Arena Fonte Nova rose on the foundations of a demolished predecessor and opened in 2013 with a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
Construction and opening
The original Estádio Fonte Nova, formally the Estádio Octávio Mangabeira, was inaugurated on January 28, 1951 with a maximum capacity of 66,080 people. The stadium was owned by the Bahia government and served as the home ground of Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória. Its formal name honored Octávio Cavalcanti Mangabeira (1886–1960), a civil engineer, journalist, and former Bahia state governor from 1947 to 1954.
Major renovations
In 2007, part of the upper terraces collapsed, killing 7 people and injuring several others. The government of Bahia subsequently announced the demolition of Fonte Nova and the construction of a new stadium, the Arena Fonte Nova, in the same place. The new arena was completed and opened in 2013.
Notable moments
The most significant moment in the modern arena's history was its role in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when Salvador became one of the host cities of the tournament and the arena welcomed international crowds and national teams from around the world.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at the Arena Fonte Nova is shaped by the passionate football culture of Salvador and the rivalry between Bahia's two traditional clubs. Its stands, holding 60,000 spectators, come alive above all during local derbies and major international fixtures.
Fan culture
The site is historically tied to two great clubs: Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória. Their supporters are among the loudest in northeastern Brazil, and their meeting, known as the Ba-Vi, ranks among the most watched events in the region. Passionate chanting and a colorful atmosphere make the ground one of Brazil's vibrant football venues.
Big matches
The high point in the modern arena's life was the 2014 FIFA World Cup, during which the Arena Fonte Nova hosted matches of the world's most prestigious football tournament. These games brought thousands of foreign fans to the stadium and put Salvador on the map of international football. Outside the tournament, domestic league matches of the two clubs remain the main draw, filling the stands with local supporters.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
A visit to the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador is relatively easy thanks to the stadium's central location. The arena, with a capacity of 60,000 spectators, sits in an accessible part of the city and offers facilities for football matches and other events.
How to get there
The stadium is located in the central area of Salvador, the capital of Bahia state. Thanks to its position on Ladeira das Fontes das Pedras, it is reachable by city transport from various neighborhoods.
Tickets and tours
Tickets for matches of Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória are sold in connection with individual fixtures. For major events, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the arena was completely sold out.
Visitor tips
- When to arrive: Leave some buffer before kickoff, as the atmosphere in the stands builds well before the match begins.
- What to experience: If you can, plan your visit around the local Ba-Vi derby between Bahia and Vitória.
- Where to find information: Follow the schedules of both home clubs for current fixture dates and ticket availability.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Salvador, Brazil
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