On a Sunday in November, went to Maracana to see a Rio team, Fluminense, beat a team (&quot;big blue&quot from S.P. Unreserved seats on the 20 yardline with a tall fence to the left blocking much of the view. The section filled up with people standing in the aisle next to the fence. Hyped fans in front standing up, sitting down. It was packed close and hot. I sat with a nice couple from California. <BR>Meanwhile, in the section on the other side of the fence, the seats were mostly empty. <BR>So, I went to the section next door and saw two ladies manning the gates. Saw a couple people show passes and the ladies opened the gates for them. A couple was there, discussing things with the gatekeepers. The couple went away. I offered 10 reals to the ladies to let me in but they said no. The couple came back and discussed things some more. They were told to &quot;go over there&quot; (and it was obvious the weren't being told to &quot;go away&quot. So, I wandered about for a bit &quot;over there&quot; to see if I could find an office where I could buy a seat in that section. I didn't see anything and the elevator signs didn't give the right clue, so I went back to the gate. The couple was there. A white-haired man came out, some discussion, then the three of them were allowed in the gate. I stood around wondering what to do next (I'm not a soccer fan, so going back to my seat was not an attractive option). Felt a tap on my shoulder. It was the white-haired guy saying something in Portuguese that ended with &quot;cinco reals&quot;. <BR>OK! I told him in sign language to wait, that I had two more people to bring with me. That was ok with him. I told the Californians to come with me. We paid the man the 5 reals each. He escorted us though the gate and indicated that we could sit where we wanted. Plenty of room, down front, great view, right at midfield. Only an enthusiastic young lady, down to the left, obstructed our view about 5%, but her excitement added to our experience.<BR>Face value of the ticket was 5 reals, and I figured that I could have saved a few dollars if I had taken a taxi, but the convenience of the tour bus, and the guide, was well worth it.<BR>This was a quarter final game for the national championship, we were told. Did Fluminense win the semi-final? the final?<BR>

Where did you pick the bus up from? I'm off to Rio in a week and plan to attend a Jan. 19th game. I'm not sure how we are going to get tickets, how we will get to / fro...any suggestions? Did you bring a camera into the game? Was it relatively safe?

I'll just jump in until Bill gets a chance. He probably got picked up at his hotel by the bus because as he staes the convenience of the tour guide and the bus. This is rather common in Rio, ask your receptionist about a tour to the soccer stadium.<BR><BR> You can take a camera to the stadium but try to keep it close and secure and not to display it too often in all of Rio, don't tempt anybody.<BR><BR> As far as safety is concerned I would imagine that the only problem in that stadium is from over zealous fans but thats why they have riot police there. <BR><BR>Try to get under a cover during the game because if it is a big game the fans above you will always be throwing things down and cover you with soda and food all day, you will come out a mess.

That's right, Don. <BR>I booked (and paid for) it through the concierge at my hotel (Sofitel). I forget the price, but it was worth it.<BR><BR>A guy met me in the lobby, collected the voucher that I got from the concierge and we walked across the street to the big coach bus. The bus stopped at a few more hotels to collect some more futbol fans.<BR>The guide started his speaking as we were entering the tunnel over by Rio Sul. He described everything in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Maybe French, too.<BR>It would have been safe enough to go alone, but with a group of 30 or so, it was not a problem. The bus dropped/picked-up in front of the stadium gate (a big bonus versus doing it on your own). The guide gave us our game tickets and escorted us to our seating section where there were several open rows for our group.<BR><BR>That section, and the one I moved to, were under cover, so no problem there. <BR><BR>The fans were excited but not really rowdy. No &quot;soccer hooligans&quot; or any trouble that I saw, but if I had been a Sao Paulo fan, I probably wouldn't have worn that team's jersey. The people were there to see the game, not rip me off.<BR><BR>Wallet in the front right pocket of my jeans, camera in the front right pocket, as always. Got several nice shots. Including one of me with players on the field in the background and the scoreboard saying &quot;Maracana, Rio de Janeiro&quot;.<BR><BR>I should have mentioned in my original post that, as a solo traveller, I certainly enjoyed the company of the bus group, especially the other two Americans.<BR>

That is helpful info, thanks. <BR><BR>Bill, just curious, did you bring a disposable or regular camera. I'd love to bring my digital camera.<BR><BR>I'm also a single traveler, and will be going to Buenos Aires and PUnta del Este...any suggestions in Rio for dining / bars...

Wallet in front left. Digital camera in front right pocket. Passport, US$, air ticket, credit cards, in the in-room safe at the hotel.<BR>I don't go to bars. I ate at a couple of restaurants by the hotel. There are several along the beachfront with tables and chairs outside. Two filets mignon and a rice dish for 24 reals or so at the place next door to the Sofitel. <BR><BR>I enjoyed dinner one night at the Hard Rock Cafe. From Copacabana, thirty reals for a 20-minute taxi ride that should have taken 30 minutes. They have a free shuttle bus to/from the beach hotels. They've got some real nice HRC polo shirts.<BR>Sorry to say, I didn't do much socializing. The beach, the pool, Maracana, Petropolis, the Gavea racetrack, a couple shopping malls. I took taxis one day: Sofitel- Pao de Azucar- Botanico- Corcovado- Gavea- Sofitel for under $20. Might be better with a tour bus group, though.<BR><BR>You'll love it.<BR><BR><BR>

<BR>And a helicopter tour! If you're ever going to pop $75 for a 15 or 20 minute helicopter sightseeing flight, then Rio is the place to do it.<BR>

Hi, we will be there in January. Is the season finished - does anyone know if there is any way of seeing any match? Thankyou.