The Samadrome

ABOUT THE RIO SAMBADROME

One of the most important recent developments since the Rio de Janeiro Carnival has become one of the biggest events in the world; was the move of the official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parades from the streets and avenues in downtown Rio to the special purposely-built Sambodromo. The Sambadrome (translation in English) is also known as the “stadium” of Samba. The Sambodromo begins at Avenida Presidente Vargas and ends at Rua Frei Caneca.

The Sambodromo was inaugurated in 1984. The structure is made of concrete and hosts only a limited number of cultural events during the year. However, the Sambodromo comes to life and is absolutely magnificent and dramatic, as it is lit up with all kinds of special effects for Carnival, during the Samba Parade Nights! The Sambodromo can seat around 70,000 cheering spectators and it is surrounded by other thousands of revelers who can not get in. The structure of the Sambodromo is under protection by local laws. It can not be rebuilt nor extended.

THE SAMBODROMO AND SEATING MAP

The Sambodromo consists of large concrete building structures along the Samba run-way, within the Sambodromo compound. The odd-numbered structures are all on one side and the even-numbered on the other.

Sectors 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 have grand stand seats and have open boxes in front. Sector 1 only has grand stand seats and is in the area where the Schools organize themselves for the Parades with bad views. Tickets are not sold for this sector by the Schools.

Sector 4 has slightly limited views (not seeing the paraders right from the beginning); nevertheless, apart from offering very good value for the money, it offers excellent acoustics, due to its frontal position to the area where the drummer groups stop, perform and play. Sector 6 and 13 offer inexpensive prices, but a very poor view and position.