Estádio Vila Belmiro

The football stadium Urbano Caldeira, also known as Vila Belmiro, inaugurated on October 12, 1916 in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, has a maximum capacity of 20,120 people. Santos Futebol Clube owns the stadium. Its formal name honors Urbano Caldeira, former player, manager and chairman of Santos.

History

The inauguration of the stadium took place on October 12, 1916. For many years Vila Belmiro became Pelé's most important place where he demonstrated his skills. On November 21, 1964, at Vila Belmiro, Pelé scored eight goals against Botafogo (SP), when Santos beat the opposing squad 11-0. On October 2, 1974, Pelé played his farewell match at the stadium. In that match, Santos beat Ponte Preta 2-0.

In 1964, part of the stadium bleachers collapsed, resulting in 181 injured spectators.

The inaugural match took place on October 12, 1916, when Santos beat Ipiranga, 2-1. Adolfo Millon Jr scored the first goal of the stadium.

The stadium's attendance record currently stands at 32,989, set on September 20, 1964 when Santos and Corinthians drew 0-0.

References

*"Enciclopédia do Futebol Brasileiro", Volume 2 - Lance, Rio de Janeiro: Aretê Editorial S/A, 2001.

External links

* [http://classicoeclassico.sites.uol.com.br/templos/sp/Santos1.htm Templos do Futebol]
* [http://www.santosfc.com.br/ Santos FC Official Website]