Soccer
São Paulo State has several well-funded teams with some of the country's best players. The four main teams—Corinthians, São Paulo, Palmeiras, and Santos—attract fans from other states. Corinthians and Palmeiras opened new stadiums in 2014. São Paulo's Morumbi and the municipally run Pacaembu, meanwhile, continue to host matchups featuring Brazilian clubs. Covered seats offer the best protection, not only from the elements but also from rowdy spectators.
Buy tickets at the stadiums or online at www.ingressofacil.com.br. Regular games usually don't sell out, but finals and classicos between the big four—for which you can buy tickets up to five days in advance—generally do. For a history lesson on the "beautiful game," check out the interactive Soccer Museum at the Pacaembu stadium.
Allianz Parque. This new arena opened in 2014 and is configured to seat about 46,000 people for soccer and other events. The home team, Palmeiras, plays here. Av. Francisco Matarazzo 1705, Água Branca, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05001–200. 11/4800--6670; www.allianzparque.com.br.
Arena Corinthians. The home of Corinthians soccer club hosted the opening of the 2014 World Cup. It holds 48,000 spectators. Av. Miguel Ignácio Curi 111, São Paulo, São Paulo, 08295–005. 11/3152--4099; www.corinthians.com.br/arena.
Canindé. The home team, Portuguesa, is the main attraction here, though the bolinhos de bacalhau (salt-cod fritters), popular among the Portuguese immigrants filling the stadium's 21,000 seats, run a close second. Rua Comendador Nestor Pereira 33, Canindé, São Paulo, São Paulo, 03034–070. 11/2125–9400; www.portuguesa.com.br.
Estádio Rua Javari. The 4,000-seat Estádio Rua Javari, also known as Estádio Conde Rodolfo Crespi, is where third-division Juventus plays. It's an ideal place to soak up some Italian atmosphere—Moóca is an Italian neighborhood—and eat a cannoli while cheering for the home team. Rua Javari 117, Moóca, São Paulo, São Paulo, 03166–100. 11/2271--2000; www.juventus.com.br.
Morumbi Stadium. The home stadium of São Paulo Futebol Clube seats 67,000 people. When soccer isn't being played here, other events take place, including concerts by stars such as Lady Gaga. Praça Roberto Gomes Pedrosa 1, Morumbi, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05653–070. 11/3749–8000; www.saopaulofc.net.
Pacaembu. The first games of the 1950 World Cup were played at this stadium. The plaza it inhabits is named for the Englishman who introduced Brazil to soccer. While it isn't used by any team in particular, it does host games occasionally and still houses the Museu de Futebol (soccer museum). Praça Charles Miller s/n, Pacaembu, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01234-010. 11/3664–4650.
