Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão), Rio de Janeiro - panoramic photo of gray building at daytime
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Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) Rio de Janeiro

4.5
·36k reviews·, Brazil

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event Nights

Experience major concerts and football matches.

CrowdHigh
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Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão), Rio de Janeiro - panoramic photo of gray building at daytime

Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) Rio de Janeiro

Best Time

Event Nights

Experience major concerts and football matches.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(36k reviews)

"The stadium is great, easy access with QR codes, beautiful field and fans that just love the club and are super passionate."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concert Spectacle

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 .

TikTok+2
Football Fanaticism

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 .

Reddit
Olympic Legacy

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 .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Getting to the Engenhão

The Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) is easily accessible via public transport. The Supervia train service stops directly at the Engenho de Dentro station, right in front of the stadium. For concerts, consider pre-booking a transfer service if you're unfamiliar with the city, as Ubers might face street blockages during events.Reddit

Ticket Tips & Seating

For football matches, buying tickets online or at physical stores is recommended over waiting for stadium sales to avoid long lines. Be aware of seating sections; the East Inferior and Superior are known for passionate ultras, while the West end offers a clearer view of the field and any TIFOs.Reddit For concerts, premium and upper deck views offer different experiences.TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Event Nights
Why
Experience major concerts and football matches.
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Potentially fewer crowds for stadium tours or casual visits.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

O silêncio veio Brasillll #ysoyrebelde #rbd #rbdtour #rbdparasiempre #rbdparasiempre #5minutos #soloquedateensilencio #rebelde #showengenhão #niltonsantos
@leticialambertucci
60.3K likes • 418.7K views

🎯 Public Transport is Key

Take the Supervia train to Engenho de Dentro station for easy stadium access. Consider pre-booked transfers for concerts.Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

For football games, purchase tickets online or at official stores to avoid long queues on match day.Reddit

kkkkk tove que trzer esse video mais uma vez, saudades desse show, volta The Weeknd, volta Abel 🥺 #concert #theweeknd #abel #engenhaorj #afterhourstildawnstadiumtour #estadioniltonsantos #show #pistapremium
@ninaribeirog
56.1K likes • 504.6K views
THE WEEKND NO BRASIL EM 2026! 🔥 After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour vai desembarcar por aqui com a participação da Anitta no ano que vem, ele passa pelo Rio de Janeiro e por São Paulo, em 3 datas, nesse vídeo eu conto TUDO o que você precisa saber pra garantir esse ingresso e não ficar de fora! Vai ser histórico e eu já tô preparado pra esse momento épico e você? #theweeknd #afterhourstilldawntour...
@erijackson
24.4K likes • 176.7K views

🪑 Choose Your Seat Wisely

East sections are for passionate fans; West offers better views of TIFOs and fireworks.Reddit

☀️ Sunny Side Caution

The East Inferior section can get sunny, impacting your viewing experience during daytime matches.TikTok

Uma amostra de como é a visão da Cadeira Superior com um palco grande. #straykids #stay #riodejaneiro #straykidsbrasil #engenhao #estadioniltonsantos
@manuela.cmartins
21.4K likes • 206K views

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.Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

For football games, purchase tickets online or at official stores to avoid long queues on match day.Reddit

🪑 Choose Your Seat Wisely

East sections are for passionate fans; West offers better views of TIFOs and fireworks.Reddit

☀️ Sunny Side Caution

The East Inferior section can get sunny, impacting your viewing experience during daytime matches.TikTok

💧 Stadium Amenities

Restrooms can lack cleanliness during crowded events; consider using facilities at nearby Norte Shopping.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(36k reviews)

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

Easy public transport access
Passionate fan atmosphere
Good concert views

What People Dislike

Restroom cleanliness issues

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit Some online tickets may need to be exchanged for physical ones at designated locations, so avoid doing this at the stadium itself.Reddit

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'.Reddit For a clearer view of the game and less intense crowd, the West Inferior or West Superior sections are a good choice.Reddit

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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Reddit 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.TikTok+1 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.TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stadium's grandeur from the stands, especially during a lively match or concert.TikTok+1 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.Reddit

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.TikTok

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

For families attending events at the Nilton Santos Stadium, consider the West Inferior or West Superior sections for football matches. These seats offer a good view of the game without the intense crowd energy found in the East sections, making it more comfortable for children.Reddit For concerts, upper deck seats can provide a safe and engaging view of the performance without being in the middle of a dense crowd. Ensure you check the specific event's guidelines regarding age restrictions and what items are permitted to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

⚽ Football Purists

Football aficionados will find the Engenhão a vibrant experience, especially during Botafogo matches. For the most authentic atmosphere, head to the East Inferior or East Superior sections to witness the passionate 'ultras' in full swing.Reddit If your priority is tactical observation and a clear view of the entire pitch, the West Inferior or West Superior sections are ideal. Remember to purchase tickets in advance from official sources to avoid disappointment and potential queues on match day.Reddit

🎶 Concert Goers

Concert attendees can choose their experience based on proximity and view. Premium Pit (Pista Premium) and General Pit (Pista Comum) offer the most energetic, up-close experience, but be prepared for large crowds.TikTok For a broader perspective and to appreciate the stage production, Upper Deck (Cadeira Superior) seats are a great option.TikTok+1 Public transport via the Supervia train is recommended, or consider a pre-booked transfer for convenience on busy event nights.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Concerts at the Engenhão

The Nilton Santos Stadium, or Engenhão, has become a premier venue for major international concerts in Rio de Janeiro, hosting artists like The Weeknd and Bruno Mars.TikTok+2 When attending a concert, understanding the seating arrangements is key to your experience. Views from the Upper Deck (Cadeira Superior) offer a panoramic perspective of the entire stage and production, ideal for appreciating the show's scale.TikTok Premium Pit (Pista Premium) and General Pit (Pista Comum) offer closer proximity to the stage, providing an immersive, high-energy experience, though these areas can get very crowded.TikTok

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.Reddit 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

As the home ground for Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, the Nilton Santos Stadium is steeped in football history and passion. The stadium's atmosphere during a Botafogo match is electric, fueled by dedicated fans known for their fervent support.Reddit For those seeking the most intense fan experience, the East Inferior and East Superior sections are where the 'ultras' gather, creating a spectacle of drums, flags, and continuous chanting.Reddit These areas are perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action and feel the raw energy of Brazilian football culture.

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.Reddit 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

The Nilton Santos Stadium holds a significant place in sporting history as a key venue for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was here that legendary sprinter Usain Bolt achieved remarkable feats, including setting a world record on the athletics track.Reddit This legacy imbues the stadium with a sense of global sporting achievement, making it more than just a football ground or concert venue.

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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