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Mineirão and Mineirinho
Pampulha also hosts two of Belo Horizonte's many stadiums. The main soccer stadium, affectionally
called Mineirão, is one of the largest covered stadiums in the world. The smaller Mineirinho, located
next door, was dedicated in 1980 as a multi-sport stadium.
30. The Mineirinho (left) and Mineirão (right)
| Officially called the Estádio Governador Magahães Pinto, the Mineirão was inaugurated in 1965. It is
home to the Clube Atlético Mineiro professional soccer team. Having a huge fanbase, Atlético's
known worldwide with its famous Galo (fighting rooster) mascot. The Mineirão was originally built to
seat over 130,000 spectators, but the capacity was later reduced to about 90,000 for safety reasons.
For covered stadiums, only the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City is larger (with 107,000 spectators.)
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31. Entrance to the Mineirão
32. The awesome view inside
33. The multi-purpose Mineirinho
Able to accomodate 25,000 guests, the smaller Mineirinho is not only a sports complex but also a venue
for larger concerts, shows and events. I happened to stop by the stadium on Good Friday, when tens of
thousands of youths from the Lagoinha Baptist church in Belo Horizonte were holding its annual "Diante
do Trono" event. Gospel music has been somewhat of a phenomenon here, with many of the recorded
Diante do Trono songs placing high in the Brazilian music charts, and millions of their CDs sold.
The church aims to help women who are living on the streets to get back on their feet.
34. Christian youths preparing for their concert
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