The Pacaembu Stadium
[photo=pacaembu.jpg id=109 align=right]Tupi Guarani
In 1926, the city of São Paulo gave land to the state in order to build a stadium in the district of Pacaembu, which means in Tupi Guarani (Flooded grounds). The Municipal Stadium, better known as the Pacaembu was built in this pleasant district of the city. It would become Corinthians stadium for home games. At this time the normal capacity was 40,000.
New Stadium
The new stadium was inaugurated by the president of the Brazil, Getulio Vargas and the Mayor Adhemar de Barros April 27, 1940 at 10h00 in front of 60.000 people. It was regarded as the most modern and largest stadium in South America due to its capacity of approximately 70.000 spectators. The record attendance was recorded in 1942 during a Paulist derby between São Paulo and Corinthians which was a three goal draw. In 1970 the stadiums capacity was increased by 15.000. The stadium now accommodates 71.281 spectators.
The day after the inauguration, the stadium hosted a double clash between Palestra Italia (Palmeiras) and Coritiba and Corinthians against Atlético-Mg. The first match was won by Palmeiras, six goals to two. The second Corinthians won four goals to two.
Machado de Carvalho
[photo=minipacaembu.JPG id=109 align=left]In 1961 the stadium was renamed the Municipal Stade Paulo Machado de Carvalho in homage to the man who was responsible for the 1958 World Cup Seleção win in Sweden. Paulists consider the Pacaembu an inheritance from the city which has meant that the municipal council has never sold the stadium. It is one of the most complete stadiums in Brazil since in addition to accommodating Corinthians games it excellent facilities for other sports including swimming, boxing, volleyball and tennis.
Notable Events
The highest scoring game at the stadium was the encounter between São Paulo and Jabaquara, in 1945, which finished with an amazing 12 goals for São Paulo.
The Pacaembu stadium was used by the Seleção, during the ill fated 1950 World Cup finals when they played Switzerland, finishing 2-2.
Recommended links:
The Pacaembu card
The Pacaembu pictures taken at the time of our travel to Brazil
The special week of Corinthians in sambafoot.com:
Corinthians: 95 years of passion
