The Insider's Guide to Attending Live Soccer Matches in Sao Paulo: How to Buy Tickets

If you're a sports fan visiting Brazil, attending a live match is an experience you won't want to miss. Brazil is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the world, and the country has a long and storied history in many sports. In particular, soccer/football (known as "futebol" in Brazil) is the most popular sport in the country, and attending a match can be an unforgettable experience.

1. Buying Tickets Online

One of the easiest ways to buy tickets for sporting events in Brazil is to purchase them online. The 4 primary soccer clubs in Sao Paulo have official websites where you can buy tickets directly. For example, to buy tickets for Corinthians matches, you can visit the club's website (www.corinthians.com.br) and click on the "Ingressos" (Tickets) tab. Similarly, Palmeiras (www.palmeiras.com.br), Sao Paulo (www.saopaulofc.net), and Santos (www.santosfc.com.br) all have ticketing sections on their websites.

When buying tickets online, it's important to check the club's schedule and make sure you're buying tickets for the correct match. You should also pay attention to the seating chart and choose the section that best suits your preferences and budget. Once you've purchased your tickets online, you'll usually receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pick up your tickets at the stadium.

2. Buying Tickets in Person

If you prefer to buy tickets in person, you can do so at the stadiums themselves or at ticketing agencies. For example, the Corinthians stadium (Arena Corinthians) has a box office where you can buy tickets in person. Similarly, Palmeiras (Allianz Parque), Sao Paulo (Estadio do Morumbi), and Santos (Vila Belmiro) all have box offices where you can buy tickets.

In addition, there are many ticketing agencies around Sao Paulo that sell tickets for sporting events. These agencies often have multiple locations throughout the city, and they can be a convenient option if you're staying in a hotel or hostel near one of their locations. Some of the most popular ticketing agencies in Sao Paulo include Total Acesso, Ingresso Rápido, and Tickets For Fun.

Many venues and event organizers have moved towards online ticket sales to streamline the process and reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeiting. This means there may be fewer box offices or physical locations where fans can buy tickets in person. It's always a good idea to check the event's website or contact the venue directly to find out if in-person ticket sales are available.

As for when tickets become available, this can vary depending on the event and the venue. Some events may have pre-sales for certain groups of fans, such as season ticket holders or fan club members. For example, Corinthians offers pre-sales for members of their fan club, known as the "Fiel Torcedor". Other events may have general ticket sales that are open to the public.

It's important to check the event's website or social media pages for information on when tickets will become available. In some cases, tickets may be purchased several weeks or even months before the event. However, for highly popular events, tickets may sell out quickly, so it's important to act fast and purchase tickets as soon as they become available.

It's also worth noting that schedules for sporting events can sometimes change, especially if there are weather-related delays, security issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Fans should check the event's website or social media pages for updates on any changes to the schedule or other important information.

3. Attending a Match as a Tourist

If you're a tourist visiting Sao Paulo and you want to attend a match, you may be able to purchase tickets through a tour operator or travel agency. These companies often offer packages that include transportation to the stadium, a guide to accompany you, and tickets to the match. This can be a convenient option if you're unfamiliar with the city and want someone to handle the logistics.

4. Buying Tickets on the Secondary Market

Finally, if you're unable to get tickets through the official channels, you can try buying tickets on the secondary market. This involves purchasing tickets from scalpers or other third-party sellers. While this can be a risky option, it's often the only way to get tickets for sold-out matches or highly sought-after events. Though this is not recommended or guaranteed to get you a valid ticket, and you run the risk of being sold a forged ticket.

If you buy tickets on the secondary market, it's essential to be cautious and use common sense. Only buy tickets from reputable sellers, and avoid buying tickets that seem too good to be true. In addition, be prepared to pay a premium price for tickets purchased on the secondary market, as sellers often mark up the prices significantly.