![]() ![]() Rio opened up its Carnaval parade stadium (Sambódromo) for the Argentines to camp and park their recreational vehicles during the Cup, specifically for the final match of Argentina vs. US Fans at FIFA Fan Fest, Rio 2014 ĭespite the strong rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, Brazil was an excellent host to the Argentine fans. At an international media center, we attended press briefings by Brazilian officials and went on guided tours of the city’s attractions offered by the center. Also present were 17,000 journalists from all continents to cover the event. Argentina had the most foreign fans represented, with some 100,000 estimated to be in Brazil for the final match against Germany. One million foreign visitors were estimated to have attended the World Cup, in addition to millions of Brazilians. We often encountered bands playing on the streets, adding spontaneous entertainment to the street scene. Some Brazilian officials actually characterized the World Cup as both a party and a sporting event. FIFA only allowed its official vendors of food and drinks to be sold in the stadiums.Īfter the games fans spilled into the streets around Copacabana and onto the clean and efficient Metro stations, making for a continuous party. Security was very tight on getting into the stadium, slowing the flow of fans. Rio declared a citywide half a holiday to minimize normal traffic around its Maracanã Stadium. Only public transportation could be used to get to the stadium. Going to the stadiums to watch the games did have its hassle factor. For more images of FIFA Fan Fest see įIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach, Rio 2014 The concept of FIFA Fan Fest started at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and became widely popular as a designated and secure area for fans and their families to gather to watch the games on big screens. FIFA Fan Fest spectator areas were also created in each city where games were being played and in major cities around the world. No matter who was playing, the fans colorful jerseys and spirit made each game fun and vibrant.Īdditional big screens were placed along the beach and in many neighborhood streets closed off for local spectators to watch the games. It also had a stage where Brazilian bands and entertainers performed before, in between and after the games to keep the crowd energized. The area allowed some 20,000 fans to watch all the games for free on a huge screen. In Rio de Janeiro, where we stayed, Copacabana Beach had the largest area designated for fans to watch all the games, called FIFA Fan Fest. The World Cup was a festive tournament of soccer teams from 32 countries competing in 12 Brazilian cities. And all four of us being Portuguese speakers was an added bonus. My oldest son also has lived in Rio and our younger son was a video producer for ESPN in Rio covering the World Cup. More importantly, my wife is from Brazil and is an event and street photographer focusing on Brazilian culture. ![]() These included serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in São Paulo and as President of the Connecticut/Paraiba Chapter of Partners of the Americas (sister-state program). Now I am sharing my experience for those who might consider attending future world sporting events like the World Cup and the Olympics.īesides my interest in international soccer, I’ve long had strong connections with Brazil. During that time I blogged about my observations on a weekly basis. It was one of those “you had to be there” once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. In June and July, I spent 45 days in Rio de Janeiro to attend the FIFA 2014 World Cup. Reflections on 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and Why You Should Go To Future World Sporting Events ![]()
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