Mineirão
Foto: Rodrigo Lima/Portal da Copa · CC BY 2.0 · zdroj
- Capacity
- 66,658
- Year opened
- 1965
- Club
- —
- Country
- Brazil
Overview
About the stadium
Mineirão, officially the Governor Magalhães Pinto Stadium, is an association football stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Opened in 1965, it has a seating capacity of 66,658 spectators and is used by Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. The stadium is owned by the state of Minas Gerais.
Location and surroundings
The stadium stands in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil. Its nickname Mineirão, meaning "Big Mineiro," refers to the large structure of the building, while its official name honours Governor Magalhães Pinto. It is one of the best-known sporting venues in the region and is reachable by the city's public transport.
Main uses
Mineirão serves primarily as a football stadium and is the home ground of Cruzeiro. It hosted matches at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and part of the football tournament of the 2016 Summer Olympics. With a capacity of over 66,000 it ranks among the largest arenas in the country and stages other major football events.
History
Journey through time
Mineirão, officially the Governor Magalhães Pinto Stadium, opened in 1965 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Owned by the state of Minas Gerais, it is used by Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and, with a seating capacity of 66,658, ranks among Brazil's largest football grounds.
Construction and opening
The stadium was built in the mid-1960s and opened in 1965. Its large structure inspired the nickname Mineirão, meaning "Big Mineiro," while the official name, Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, commemorates Governor Magalhães Pinto.
Key redevelopments
Ahead of major international events the stadium was modernised to meet FIFA requirements. This work was tied to preparations for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, after which the seating capacity settled at 66,658.
Notable moments
Mineirão made history as a venue of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. It also hosted matches of the football tournament at the 2016 Summer Olympics, confirming its standing among Brazil's leading arenas.
Atmosphere
Matchday
Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has a capacity of 66,658 spectators and is the home of Cruzeiro, one of the loudest football arenas in the country. Opened in 1965, its vast stands can generate an extraordinarily intense backdrop for both domestic and international matches.
Fan culture
Cruzeiro's supporters are among the most passionate in Brazil, filling Mineirão with chanting, flags and the club's colours. Packed stands can create the roaring atmosphere typical of Brazilian football, where the support from the terraces is an inseparable part of the matchday experience.
Big matches
The stadium's greatest occasions came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the football tournament of the 2016 Summer Olympics. These international events brought spectators from around the world to Mineirão and confirmed its role in some of the biggest football festivals on the planet.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Mineirão is located in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This football stadium with a capacity of 66,658 spectators is the home of Cruzeiro and opened in 1965. It is one of the most popular sporting destinations in the region.
Getting there
The stadium lies in Belo Horizonte and is reachable by the city's public transport and by taxi. Allow extra time on matchdays, when traffic around the venue increases and large crowds gather before kick-off.
Tickets and tours
- Tickets for Cruzeiro matches and other events are usually sold both online and at the stadium.
- On matchdays, arrive early to allow for security checks and queues.
- Availability of stadium tours can vary, so check current information in advance.
Visitor tips
- Bring a hat and water, as the weather in Belo Horizonte tends to be warm.
- Follow Cruzeiro's official channels for the schedule and any changes.
- Arrive in good time to enjoy the atmosphere of the packed stands.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Plan your visit
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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