Most Architecturally Awesome Football Stadiums in South America

No trip to South America is complete without at least a couple football games. Whether you’re a fan or not, the energy felt at these sporting events is unparalleled. Because it may be hard to concentrate on a stadium’s beauty once the game gets going, we here at Oasis have made a list of the coolest looking stadiums from the inside out, so even after the crowd goes nuts you can still appreciate the curve of the rafters and glimmer of the beams above. Unfortunately due to redevelopment many of these classic stadium’s days are numbered so make sure to check them out as soon as you can.

Maracaña Stadium, Rio

Though it may look like a UFO, Maracaña has become a symbol of Rio. Built in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup it was the world’s highest capacity stadium when it was inaugurated and can still fit more people than any other stadium in South America. Catch it before it gets mobbed for the World Cup in 2014, especially the final.

Estádio do Morombi, São Paulo

Morombi is the home of São Paulo’s Futebol Clube, one of Brasil’s most successful clubs. It was inaugurated in 1960 and designed by famed architect João Batista Vilanova Artigas, an important figure in the Paulista school. The colored seating pattern within the stadium is legendary.

Estádio Pacaembu, São Paulo

The traditional home of the Corinthians team, Pacaembu was inaugurated in the 1940′s and has played host to World Cup matches. Its stylish facade is a perfect cover for the rowdiness sure to ensue during a game.

Estadio Centenario, Montevideo

This stadium hosts a football museum in its tower and is most well known as being the site of the first ever World Cup, in 1930. A symbol of Uruguay itself, the construction of the stadium in the 1920′s also commemorated the country’s 100th year of Independence. Teams fear playing against the Charruras in their home stadium (even football powerhouse Brasil has lost more games than its won on this turf).

Estadio Alberto J. Armando, Buenos Aires

If the yellow and blue covering the outside of this stadium in La Boca didn’t alert you that you were entering Boca Juniors territory, the hordes of screaming fans sure will. Affectionately nicknamed La Bombonera (the chocolate box) for its shape, visit the Museo de la Pasión Boquense within the stadium to get some insight into the cult that is Boca. Boca Juniors’ games have no public sales and tickets are not easy to come by. To get Boca Juniors tickets talk to our friends at LandingPadBA.”