Sambodromo

The Carnival parades are taking place in the Sambodromo, located close to the city center. The parades start on 20:00 or 21:00 (depending on the date) and ends around 5:00 in the morning

Sambodromo Sectors (See Map below)

The toal capacity of the Sambodromo is (as of 2012) 72,518. The actual amount of spectators in the Sambodromo may be higher than the above number. Sector 9 is an exception, as you get a marked seat. Actually the word 'seat' is not relevant, as you will have to stay on your feet most of the time - even if you do not like to dance with the rest of the crowd.

Avoid Sector 1 - Access is given to the local community at a symbolic cost. Sectors 12 and 13 are the cheapest, go there only if you are really tight in budget. Sectors 2-11 are equal in quality of view (even though there is a price difference between them). Sector 9 has marked seats and therefore less crowded. DRESS CIRCLE and BOXES are the best - and priced accordingly.

Types and capacity of seats

BOXES (Camarotes) Sectors 2-9

Special Boxes - Up to 30 seats.
Normal Boxes -  Up to 8 seats

DRESS CIRCLE (Frisas)

Uncovered boxes with back-walls and chairs, with private entry, for six occupants each in sectors 2-11, For 4 peeople each in sectors 12-13

CHAIRS

Located in sectors 12 (1,440 Chairs) and 13 (840 Chairs).

TIERS OF SEATS

Uncovered spaces up to 15,80 m high, reached by stairs.
Sectors 2-11, each sitting 2,400 to 2800 spectators. Sector 9 with 2,306 numbered seats.

POPULAR TIERS OF SEATS

Sector 1 – in the area where the schools organize themselves for the parade; it holds 6,500 spectators. Not recommended.

 Sectors 12 and 13 – at Praça da Apoteose from where the end of the parade can be seen. 7,100 spectators each.

Sambodromo Map

See the full map Here

Sambodromo Address:

Passarela do Samba Professor Darcy Ribeiro – Sambodromo
Rua Marques de Samurai – Praça Onze – Cidade Nova

Access: We advise to use the Metro (Subway), which operates 24 hours during the main parade days.
Odd sector seats: Central station
Even sector seats: Praca Onze station

Sambodromo Carnival Tickets

The following information is based on Carnivals 2004-2005, and may be changed in the future.

It is advised to purchase tickets in advance at travel agencies or hotels. Some tickets for Saturday parades (GROUP A and Winners Parade) may be available at the evening of the parade at the ticket office after Sector 11.
Check Liesa site (Tel. 2262-0222) for official tickets sales locations. 

When you purchase tickets, you get small plastic magnetic cards, and for some sectors also a big plastic magnetic card. Never pay for a ticket that has only big card, as you will not be allowed into the Sambodromo:

Front side	Back side

    The Small card is used to enter into the Sambodromo. This is a one-time entrance ticket - once you enter you do not get it back. In the back side of the ticket see the sector and date of entrance. This ticket is for Monday (Segunda) Main parade.

   
Front Side

The Big magnetic Card is used to enter into specific Sectors (not used in POPULAR TIERS OF SEATS). The top picture is a ticket for Sector 9 (the only sector with seat numbers). From 2005 the seat number for sector 9 is imprinted on the card. Note that this ticket is for Saturday parade - Group Access A.

The following tickets are from sector 5, 2006 Carnival.

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