Inaugurated in 1984 and build by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome is the stage for the annual parades of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.
The stadium was built especially for this parade, which starts between sectors 2 and 3 and ends between sectors 12 and 13.
The even and odd-numbered sectors are parallel to each other and each pair has the same view and price (eg. 4 is parallel to 5, 6 to 7, etc.).
The more central the view, the more expensive the tickets.
Each school has 80 minutes to cross the 800 meters of the runway, with their allegorical floats with heights up to 4.5 meters and more than 3500 people parading and dancing.
How to arrive no the Sambodrome?
- For the odd-numbered sectors, the best ways to access the Sambadrome are by taxi or subway (Estação Centra/Central Station).
- For the even-numbered sectors, it is recommended to take the subway to the Praça Onze station.
- It's not recommended to go by car because there's no parking in the area.
- Municipal buses are also not recommended because they are not safe on Carnival nights.
- Your can also purchase our shuttle transfer service. The shuttle stops at all the main hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
- Reserve your transfer now and save yourself the hassle on the night of the party! Learn more by clicking here.
Where to sit?
Here is all you need to know about the different sectors and the uniqueness of each one.
Judges booths
As the carnival's parade is actually a competition between Rio's 12 best samba schools, they are being judged while performing. Each samba school have Three points along the Sambadrome where they pause a bit longer in front of the judges' booths: The first is between sectors 3 and 5, the second is between sectors 6 and 8, and the last one is between sectors 11 and 13. Therefore, the parade can be enjoyed for a slightly longer time when sitting near the booths of the judges. You can also get a great view of the dance of the couple Porta-Bandeira and Mestre-Sala.
Recuo da Bateria
The moment in which the drums' section retreats and lets the rest of the paraders pass. It is possible to keep appreciating the samba while that happens between sectors 9 and 11.
Assigned seats
In Sector 9 - the most costly - all seats are numbered and can be reserved individually (although you can't choose the sit number when placing an order, however tickets purchased in the same order most likely will be sitting together).
Although all other sectors are considered "free seating," most people end up dancing all night rather than sitting down.
VIP Lounges
The VIP Lounges are located between every Two sectors and beneath some of them. They include exclusive treats to enjoy the Parade in the best way possible.
Find out more about these luxury lounges here.
Sectors 4 and 5
These are most popular sectors thanks to their affordable price and good views. They are located close to the center and near the Judges' booth.
Sectors 6 and 7
Another very popular seats, offering wide range of visibility since they are right in the center of the runway.
Sectors 8 and 9
Some of the best seats in the studiom.
Sector 9 is the only one with assigned seats, but the two sectors share the same view.
Sectors 10 and 11
These sectors are located towards the end of the studiom, but with the retreat of the drums' section, these sectors are particularly good to enjoy the samba music. They are also close to the the last Judges' booth.
Sector 12 - Front seats
These seats are at the level of the runway.
Prices are more affordable, but not the best view as you don't get the birds' eye view, rather than more closer look at the parade.
Sectors 12 and 13 - Grandstand
Completely obstructed view of the parade. In these seats you would only see the parade just when it reaches in front of the sectors, meaning missing most of the show.
We don't sell tickets to these sectors because we only want the best experience for you!
Front Box seats (Frisas)
At the front of each sector located the frisas (Front Box seats). This is absolutely the best way to experience the parade in the Sambadrome!
These intimate boxes are divided in 4 lines: A, B, C and D, being A the very close seats, at the same level of the Samba Avenue.
Each box can hold up to 6 people, who are as close as possible to the parade. Important note: the prices are per person, not per Front Box.
• Minimum of two people per order to reserve seating.
Tips
- Before the show - Always leave well in advance, as the streets become crowded during Carnival.
- Rio Tickets offers a package with transfers and Parade tickets that include round-trip shuttle service to the Sambadrome.
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Don't try to buy tickets last minute since the box office is usually closed on the nights of the Parades.
In order to reserve the best seats, we recommend you purchase your tickets several months in advance. - Avoid buying tickets from scalpers, as there are various risks involved and tickets may be fake.
- Inside the Sambadrome everything is totally safe.
- The experience of the Parades is kid-friendly and many parents have a blast taking their little ones to the event, However only kids from 6 years old and up are allowed to enter.
If you are not sure which sector to purchase, contact one of our Carnival specialists and we would be happy to assist you in choosing the right tickets for you.
