Flamengo’s board, represented by Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, argues that ticket prices at the Maracanã do not alienate the fanbase, citing high average attendance figures and steep operational costs.
The issue of ticket prices for Flamengo matches at the Maracanã is a frequent subject of debate among fans, particularly those who occupy the stands. However, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, or Bap, an influential member of the club’s board, presents a view that diverges from this common perception, arguing that current prices are not exorbitant enough to keep people away from the stadium.
The discussion regarding the cost of watching Mengão live takes on new dimensions with Bap’s statements. The executive emphasizes that the club’s impressive average attendance contradicts the idea that tickets are discouraging fan presence, noting that today’s widespread television coverage offers fans alternative ways to follow the team—something that did not exist in past decades.
Analyzing stadium attendance
Bap bases his stance on the observation of high attendance at Flamengo games. He counters the notion that lower prices would automatically pack the stadium, recalling historical Copa Libertadores matches in the 70s featuring icons like Zico and Júnior, which drew much smaller crowds (between 12,000 and 15,000 people) even with cheaper tickets in the “Geral” section. According to him, the management performs constant market tests.
“If the ticket were so expensive, the average attendance wouldn’t be this high. The board doesn’t believe the current price alienates fans. Especially because the club is on television everywhere today. That ‘Geral’ fanbase didn’t have other options in the 70s since it wasn’t on TV, right? It’s a utopia to think that if tickets were cheaper, the stadium would be packed. It’s not true. Management has run a series of tests on this.”
Operational costs at Maracanã
A crucial point raised by Bap is the high cost Flamengo bears to use the Maracanã. The Rio-based club pays a significantly higher percentage of its ticket revenue compared to other major teams in Brazilian football.
“Do you know which federation charges their audience the most to play at the stadium? It’s Rio de Janeiro, right? I pay 10% of my revenue to play there; Internacional pays 2%, São Paulo pays 5%, I pay 10%.”
This difference in operational costs, revealed in an interview with the Market Makers podcast, adds a layer of complexity to Flamengo’s ticket pricing policy, justifying the current values in the board’s view.
Strategies to increase attendance
Despite defending current prices, Flamengo’s board is not complacent and is constantly seeking ways to expand fan presence in stadiums. The goal is ambitious: to raise the average attendance from 53,000 to 58,000 fans per match. Among the initiatives, the “Flamengo Sem Fronteiras” program stands out, which allows fans to purchase tickets for a fee of R$ 18.91.
Rising average attendance
The management’s efforts seem to be paying off. According to records from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Mengão has maintained an impressive average attendance between 57,900 and 60,400 fans per game. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the previous administration under Rodolfo Landim, which recorded an average of 53,800 attendees per match in 2024.
Prices and profitability: A perspective
The M360 Team notes that Flamengo has indeed achieved unprecedented profitability at the Maracanã under the current management. However, it is undeniable that some general admission tickets reach values considered high, potentially hitting R$ 220.00. This scenario reflects the pursuit of a balance between maximizing revenue and maintaining a solid base of fans in the stadium.
The debate over Flamengo’s ticket prices remains a relevant topic, but Bap’s arguments and the CBF attendance data point to an engaged and present fanbase. With the next home match scheduled for this Sunday (09), Flamengo faces Vitória for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A. The match will take place at the Maracanã at 7:30 PM (Brasília time), broadcast by SporTV and Premiere, and will be another opportunity to observe the response of the “Nação Rubro-Negra.” The ability to generate record revenue, combined with the challenges of operational costs and the ambition to further increase average attendance, demonstrates the complex dynamic in managing Brazil’s most popular club.
Equipe M360
