at a glance

in 1984, the governor of rio de janeiro leonel brizola commissioned a new stadium, to be designed by the famous architect oscar niemyer, as the old structure became insufficient for the ever increasing crowds.

the new design includes a 700 meter runway, seating, boxes, medical rooms, food courts, and is used  exclusively to present the carnival shows and importnat musical performances each year. the then vice-governor darcy ribero campaigned for the location of the new venue to be at marques de sapucaí, close to praça onze - which is considered by many, to be the birthplace of samba. 

in 1997 the official name of the stadium became passarela professor darcy ribeiro, in honor of the former brazilian minister of education and cultural secretary - however, the venue continues to be popularly known as the sambódromo, or just sapucaí.