The construction of a large stadium in Rio de Janeiro's city center was decided to host the 1950 World Cup. Initially called 'Municipal', construction was approved by the President of the Republic, 'Eurico Gaspar Dutra', who was greatly supported by ...

The construction of a large stadium in Rio de Janeiro's city center was decided to host the 1950 World Cup. Initially called 'Municipal', construction was approved by the President of the Republic, 'Eurico Gaspar Dutra', who was greatly supported by the journalist 'Mário Filho'. The stadium was officially dedicated to the journalist in 1964, although the stadium has always been nicknamed 'Maracanã'. This nickname derives from a small river in the stadium's neighborhood which is subsequently derived from a typical Brazilian parrot.

The Maracanã Stadium got into global soccer history after the incredible 1950 World Cup final, in which Uruguay surprisingly defeated home team Brazil in front of 200 000 fans, both official and unofficial (many people succeeded to illegally run into the stadium). This figure represents the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer match in history.

Source: http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/architecture/stadium_design/rio_de_janeiro_maracana.shtml