Stadium tour of São Januário: Home of Vasco da Gama

São Januário is definitely one of the most interesting and unique stadiums in Brazil. It is located inside an old neighbourhood of Rio called São Cristóvão, the greater area and as you get closer to it, you get to Vasco da Gama area- surrounded by one local favela named Barreira do Vasco. São Januário was first open in 1927 and since then it's the biggest private stadium in the state of Rio de Janeiro and we are very proud of our home!

The club has strong Portuguese and catholic roots, so you will find a lot of crosses from the navigation times, an unique Portuguese architecture and even a chapel inside the stadium - I mean just behind the goal!

Vasco da Gama has an important role in history and politics such as having the first black president and football player in Brazil and even past presidents would come to São Januário to make important public speeches. Also, we do value our heroes. Near the chapel and just behind the goal, you will find a statue of Romário, a Vasco hero and the one who scored more than one thousand goals during his playtimes.

Before we start the stadium tour, I invite you to have drinks with me outside at a local bar and I would like to show you the neighbourhood. You will see what it's like to breathe and live Vasco! The official stadium tour will follow these steps:

Vasco da Gama Statue / Trophy Room / Tribune of Honour / Gymnasium / Conference Room / Players Locker Room / Romário Statue / Vasco da Gama College / Chapel / Water Park / Vasco da Gama Shop

As a Vasco local fan since a child, I have to say it's worth the visit. The stadium and the geography that surrounds the area it's unique and shows how football is part of the Carioca culture. I will be glad to help and respond to any question you might have through it. Count on me!