In 2024, the Campeonato Carioca expanded its horizons by hosting 10 of its games outside Rio de Janeiro, captivating an average of 23,000 fans per game. This strategic move closely rivaled the previous year’s Brasileirão, which had set a record with an average attendance of 26,524 fans, a peak not reached since 1983.
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Fluminense remained the only one among the big four Rio football clubs to not venture outside the state for a match. In contrast, Flamengo took the lead by playing five games outside Rio, Vasco followed with four, and Botafogo participated in one. These matches held outside Rio attracted higher average audiences than any state championship, surpassing even the Campeonato Carioca’s own in-state matches.
Metrópoles Sports facilitated three of these games outside the Marvelous City, effectively bringing the excitement of football to fans in DF and Uberlândia. By doing so, Vasco and Botafogo fans experienced the thrill of cheering for their teams within their own states, highlighting the tournament’s initiative to reach a wider audience and forge unforgettable connections with fans beyond Rio’s borders.
By taking the games outside of Rio de Janeiro for the first time in its history, the Campeonato Carioca attracted an unprecedented level of interest and attendance. The decision to host 10 matches in different states allowed local fans who might not have the opportunity to travel to Rio to experience these games firsthand.
This strategic move not only expanded the tournament’s geographical reach but also significantly boosted its popularity, drawing in large crowds and creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere for football enthusiasts across the country.
