December 12 – Last month, Brazilian Serie A club Flamengo took a major step towards realising a dream decades in the making. Club officials met with representatives from the city of Rio de Janeiro at Flamengo’s Gávea headquarters to sign an agreement that will pave the way for the construction of a state-of-the-art, almost 80,000-seat stadium in the Gasômetro area, with visuals of the project made available this week for the first time.
The deal sets out a financial framework centred on a building rights transfer mechanism within a consortium. Flamengo plans to generate approximately R$500 million through Additional Construction Potential Certificates (Cepac) and renegotiate the land’s construction potential, which is expected to provide a further R$1 billion in revenue.
Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim expressed confidence in the project’s financial viability, emphasising that the club’s finances would remain unaffected.
The total investment for the venture is projected at R$1.93 billion ($338.6 million), encompassing land acquisition, geodetic surveys, construction, and extensive urban development and landscaping. The new stadium promises to be a cutting-edge facility, boasting a 360° internal LED screen, a massive external display, and a total of 6,200 m² of LED surfaces.
Crucially, Flamengo has outlined a robust plan to fund the stadium through newly generated revenue streams, forecast to total R$2.467 billion ($411 million). Among the most lucrative sources are naming rights, valued at R$1.5 billion over 20 years, and the presale of premium seating. The latter includes 1,000 perpetual seats for R$187 million, 5,000 five-year seats for R$183 million, and 28 luxury boxes for R$100 million. Additionally, development rights at Flamengo’s Gávea property are projected to bring in R$497 million.
The visuals for the project, produced by Arena Events + Venues, reveal a stadium designed to offer fans an immersive and modern matchday experience.
The North Stand, dedicated to Flamengo’s famously passionate supporters, will amplify sound intensity by 16 decibels in an effort to raise energy levels for both players and fans. Spectators will also be brought closer to the pitch, with one of the shortest distances between the stands and the field in Brazilian football.
Standing 60 metres tall, the stadium will surpass the Maracanã in height and will include 27 lifts and 16 main internal access ramps. It aims to strike a balance between luxury and accessibility, featuring affordable seating options in a new “general stand” to welcome a more diverse fan base.
Construction is expected to conclude by November 2029, coinciding with Flamengo’s anniversary. While club officials have not ruled out the possibility of opening the stadium ahead of schedule, they remain cautious about making any promises at this stage. Ticket sales for the grand opening match are set to begin next year.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1748464832labto1748464832ofdlr1748464832owedi1748464832sni@g1748464832niwe.1748464832yrrah1748464832