Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) Rio de Janeiro
Rio's Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) hosts electrifying concerts and passionate football matches, with a legacy from the Olympic Games.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Experience major concerts and football matches.
Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Experience major concerts and football matches.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rio's Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) hosts electrifying concerts and passionate football matches, with a legacy from the Olympic Games.
"The stadium is great, easy access with QR codes, beautiful field and fans that just love the club and are super passionate."
🎯 Public Transport is Key
Take the Supervia train to Engenho de Dentro station for easy stadium access. Consider pre-booked transfers for concerts .
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For football games, purchase tickets online or at official stores to avoid long queues on match day .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concert Spectacle
Main Stage Area
Experience electrifying performances from global artists like The Weeknd and Bruno Mars. The stadium transforms into a vibrant hub for music lovers .

Football Fanaticism
Pitchside
Immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere of a Botafogo football match. Feel the energy of the ultras and the roar of the crowd .

Olympic Legacy
Athletics Track
Walk where Usain Bolt set a world record during the Rio Olympics. The stadium's athletics track holds a significant sporting history .
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Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Engenhão
Ticket Tips & Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Public Transport is Key
Take the Supervia train to Engenho de Dentro station for easy stadium access. Consider pre-booked transfers for concerts.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For football games, purchase tickets online or at official stores to avoid long queues on match day.
🪑 Choose Your Seat Wisely
East sections are for passionate fans; West offers better views of TIFOs and fireworks.
☀️ Sunny Side Caution
The East Inferior section can get sunny, impacting your viewing experience during daytime matches.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Public Transport is Key
Take the Supervia train to Engenho de Dentro station for easy stadium access. Consider pre-booked transfers for concerts.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
For football games, purchase tickets online or at official stores to avoid long queues on match day.
🪑 Choose Your Seat Wisely
East sections are for passionate fans; West offers better views of TIFOs and fireworks.
☀️ Sunny Side Caution
The East Inferior section can get sunny, impacting your viewing experience during daytime matches.
💧 Stadium Amenities
Restrooms can lack cleanliness during crowded events; consider using facilities at nearby Norte Shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Nilton Santos Stadium is praised for its accessibility via public transport and its vibrant atmosphere during football matches and concerts. While the stadium offers great views and passionate fan sections, some visitors note that restroom facilities can be lacking in cleanliness during peak events.
"Estádio Nilton Santos
I didn’t go inside the stadium for the event but the EVENTIM ticket booth in Rio is here and they really help me a lot with my request.
I was buying tickets for another concert since I cannot purchase internationally with my card.
The staff are really helpful even though we had a hard time communicating and thanks to Google translate."
Fredric John
"Estádio Nilton Santos is Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas' home stadium, in Rio de Janeiro. The stadium was also home to many olympic sports during the Pan American games in Rio and the Summer Olympics in Rio (Usain Bolt broke a WR here!). On Botafogo game days the stadium and it's surrounding areas are filled with fans, lively bars and food stands. I'd recommend trying to book tickets early and arriving a bit earlier to get a sense of the atmosphere around the stadium and get in avoiding long lines (30 min before kick off). If you want to be a part of a rowdy crowd, the East inferior and east superior (Leste Inferior and Leste Superior) sections are the best, as the "ultras" are there with big flags, drums, etc. If you want a great view of the game and less of a crazy crowd, I'd suggest the west end (Oeste Inferior or Oeste superior), as this is the side where the TV booths, media boxes and commentators watch the game from (in other words, any TIFOs and fireworks go off on the opposing side, so you have a better view of that stuff). Overall, the stadium is great, easy access with QR codes, beautiful field and fans that just love the club and are super passionate. It's a great vibe. There is limited parking at the stadium, but you can park at the nearby Norte Shopping (20 min walk, but it's easy to find just follow the fans wearing Botafogo jerseys) and will save you time when leaving the stadium as it's not as crowded. Also gives you the opportunity to use some clean washrooms and grab a bite, as the bathrooms at the stadium do lack in cleanliness, especially in really crowded games as it gets later into the night.
If you have any questions feel free to message me @FogaoTaEmbalado ⚪️⚫️"
Tony
"Euuu ameiiii o futebollll!! Nao falo portugués más quero aprender porque the songs were sooo lit! Ok for the tourists, this is something you MUST know before you go: the side of the arena that you sit on matters, you cannot go to the opposite team’s side because fights break out. If you are on the visiting team’s side side, it will be less crowded but there won’t be as much chanting because the fans are not all there to fill the seats. I suggest you sit on the side of the home team (make sure you tell the ticket office who’s side you’d like to sit on) because they get let out first. As we were sitting on the side of the visiting team, we were let out 3 hours later. Police and military were watching us leave. It is crazy, and super worth the experience!!"
Arianne Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the Nilton Santos Stadium, also known as Engenhão, is by taking the Supervia train service directly to the Engenho de Dentro station, which is located right in front of the stadium.
For major events like concerts, ride-sharing apps like Uber are available, but street closures can make direct access difficult. Many travelers recommend pre-booking a transfer service for concerts to ensure a smooth arrival and departure.While Uber is an option, it's not always the most reliable for events at the Engenhão due to potential street blockages and increased traffic. It's advisable to check traffic conditions and consider the Supervia train as a more consistent alternative.
Yes, the Engenho de Dentro station is directly adjacent to the Nilton Santos Stadium, making it a very short and easy walk from the train platform to the stadium entrance.
There is limited parking available at the stadium itself. For more convenient parking, many visitors opt for the nearby Norte Shopping, which is about a 20-minute walk away and can save time when leaving after a crowded event.
From Copacabana, you can take an Uber or taxi to Central Station and then catch a train on the Supervia line towards Engenho de Dentro. Alternatively, some travelers suggest taking an Uber directly to the stadium, but be prepared for potential traffic delays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For football matches, it's best to purchase tickets online through official ticketing platforms or at physical ticket offices before match day. Buying at the stadium on the day can lead to very long queues.
Some online tickets may need to be exchanged for physical ones at designated locations, so avoid doing this at the stadium itself.If you want to experience the most passionate atmosphere with chanting and flags, the East Inferior and East Superior sections are recommended, as they are home to the 'ultras'.
For a clearer view of the game and less intense crowd, the West Inferior or West Superior sections are a good choice.Concert tickets are typically sold through authorized online vendors and ticketing agencies. It's advisable to secure your tickets well in advance of the event date, as popular concerts often sell out quickly.
Entry is generally well-organized with QR code access for tickets. Arriving a bit earlier than the scheduled start time is recommended to navigate security and find your seats without rushing, especially for large events.
While specific rules can vary by event, generally large bags, outside food and drinks, and professional recording equipment are prohibited. It's best to check the specific event's guidelines closer to the date.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Botafogo games at the Engenhão are known for a passionate and lively atmosphere, especially in the East sections where the 'ultras' create an energetic environment with drums and flags.
The fans are deeply dedicated to the club, contributing to a vibrant matchday experience.The restroom facilities at the stadium can be basic and may lack cleanliness, particularly during highly crowded games as the event progresses.
For cleaner options, some visitors suggest using facilities at the nearby Norte Shopping.Yes, the upper seats offer a good vantage point, especially for concerts where the stage setup is visible from various angles.
For football, they provide a broader perspective of the entire pitch.The stadium is designed to accommodate spectators with disabilities, offering accessible seating areas and facilities. It's advisable to inquire about specific needs when purchasing tickets.
For concerts, the view depends on the stage setup. However, generally, seats closer to the stage offer the most immersive experience. The upper deck provides a panoramic view of the entire stage and production.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stadium's grandeur from the stands, especially during a lively match or concert.
The athletics track offers a unique perspective, harkening back to its Olympic past. Don't forget to photograph the passionate fans in the East sections for authentic atmosphere shots.Professional cameras with detachable lenses are often restricted for concerts and major sporting events. Check the specific event's policy regarding camera equipment to avoid issues at entry.
For vibrant shots, attend during a match or concert. For architectural photos, consider late afternoon for softer light, though access might be limited outside of events.
The view from the upper stands overlooking the pitch and the vast seating bowl is iconic. Capturing the energy of the crowd during a goal or a performance is also a memorable photo opportunity.
Stand in the center of the upper tiers to get a wide-angle shot of the entire stadium. For a more intimate feel, focus on the details of the stands and the pitch from lower levels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚽ Football Purists
🎶 Concert Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Concerts at the Engenhão
Planning your arrival and departure is crucial for concert days. Due to potential street closures and heavy traffic, relying solely on ride-sharing apps might lead to delays. The Supervia train service to Engenho de Dentro station remains a reliable option for accessing the stadium. Many concert-goers opt for pre-booked transfer services to ensure a smoother journey to and from the venue, especially if they are unfamiliar with Rio's public transport system. Arriving early is always recommended to navigate security and find your seats without feeling rushed, allowing you to soak in the pre-show atmosphere.
Football Culture at Nilton Santos Stadium
If a more relaxed viewing experience is preferred, the West Inferior and West Superior sections offer excellent sightlines of the pitch without the overwhelming intensity of the ultras' sections. These seats provide a great view of the game itself and are also ideal for observing any TIFOs (choreographed fan displays) or pyrotechnics that might occur on the opposite side of the stadium. Regardless of where you sit, arriving a bit earlier than kick-off allows you to absorb the pre-game buzz, explore the stadium surroundings, and get settled before the match begins.
The Olympic Legacy of Engenhão
Visitors can appreciate this history by observing the athletics track itself, imagining the speed and power that once filled the arena. While primarily known for football and concerts today, the stadium's Olympic past adds another layer of significance for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It stands as a testament to Rio's ability to host major international events and showcase athletic excellence.
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