booming, Luso-Brasileiro combines the tranquility of Ilha do Governador with the rise of Portuguesa

Between the expressways, the intense movement in the streets and avenues and the good dose of chaos inherent in the city of Rio de Janeiro, finding a corner with a peaceful atmosphere is not the easiest mission, especially when it comes to football. But about 16 km from Maracanã, on Ilha do Governador, the Estádio Luso-Brasileiro offers one of the most welcoming surroundings to watch a round of the Campeonato Carioca — a visit that is on the agenda of Vasco fans today and Botafogo fans tomorrow. .

In the coming weeks, O GLOBO will publish a special series telling the best that alternative stadiums in Rio de Janeiro can offer fans throughout this State. From Luso to Raulino de Oliveira, the guide brings gastronomic tips, stories about the fan communities and a taste of what the Fluminense football map has to offer.

The main task of Cruz-Maltinos and Alvinegros, who face the hostess, Portuguesa, and Madureira, respectively, will be the arrival at the stadium. A region made up of several neighborhoods, Ilha do Governador is famous for having only one entrance and exit, making the journey a little more complex. Having overcome this obstacle, arriving in the region practically puts the fan on the edge of the neighborhood with the same name as the club and where Luso is located.

Today, the Vasco fans will access the stadium through Rua Figueira da Foz, on the side. Going down this street in the opposite direction to the entrance to Luso, you will come across Estrada do Galeão and a recently expanded bohemian pedestrian street, with a variety of bars. There are options for all tastes, from a simple afternoon with snacks and beer to live music.

Those who prefer to enjoy the atmosphere of the game right outside the stadium will certainly stop at Trailer do Cleber, which is located between the end of Figueira da Foz and Rua Haroldo Lobo, practically opposite the social entrance of Portuguesa. There, the mass of fans concentrates, who take turns between barbecue and beer, in addition to following the games of the round. O GLOBO visited the stadium before the match between Portuguesa and Bangu, on Saturday, and watched a lively get-together between the two fans there.

Reform for expansion

Owner of the house, the Portuguese woman is experiencing a moment of ascension. It comes from semifinal campaigns and seventh place overall in the 2021 and 22 Cariocas. fall in the round of 16 for Corinthians.

— It was difficult for the community to embrace […] We live on the island, we have a club and a samba school (União da Ilha) and we don’t hug. If everyone gave a little of themselves, they would become a powerhouse and give visibility, cultural value, to our region — says Felipe Simões, 20 years old, who is part of one of the movements of Lusa fans, which gained strength in the 2010s. He celebrates the change of scenery and welcomes those who visit Luso, at least before the ball rolls.

“Climate has no weight, no danger. It’s easy to reach, good to enjoy. For anyone who comes to see it, it’s great.

Rafael Rocha, 16 years old, is part of an even younger generation of fans who connect with the neighborhood club from an early age. The student values ​​the growing movement in Luso:

— That feeling of “it’s more than football”, of being connected to a community, it’s an otherworldly feeling […] It’s something you’ll only feel at a neighborhood club, where you’re together every day.

The good moment on the field is accompanied by structural changes in Luso. Throughout its recent history, the stadium was an alternative home for Botafogo and Flamengo: in the 2005 Brasileirão, while Maracanã was undergoing renovations; a decade later, it was Arena Botafogo (2016) and Ilha do Urubu (2017 and 2018). Since then, it has gained a big screen and strong reflectors. In new reforms, this time in charge of Portuguesa, the stadium should once again become accredited as one of the main alternative arenas in Rio.

The club received the former stands of the Arena do Futuro from the City Hall. With that, the increase in the capacity of the stadium began. Today, 5,044 fans can fit in Luso’s chairs. According to the board, the project can increase this number to up to 16 thousand.

The concrete structures that will form the new sections of the stands are positioned next to the sideline of the field and can be seen during the transmission of the games. The works will be carried out throughout this year, with the inauguration scheduled for 2024. Nothing to disturb a pleasant football night on Ilha do Governador.