“Moça Bonita” they call it. But its formal name is Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho. This stadium has a rich history here in Rio de Janeiro. It’s more than just a place for games. It embodies the spirit of Bangu and its people.
Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho is the home of Bangu Atlético Clube. It has been since 1947. Before this stadium, the team played at Rua Ferrer. The story of this stadium is intertwined with the history of Bangu. The English factory owners and workers brought football to Bangu. They established the club and this very stadium.
The old stadium on Rua Ferrer served the club well from 1906 to 1943. But by the 1940s, its structure was no longer adequate. New stadiums were opening in other cities. Bangu needed a new home too. A fire in 1936 damaged the stands at Rua Ferrer. This further highlighted the need for a new stadium.
Construction of Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho began in 1944. It was built on land that once belonged to an old farm. The area was known as Moça Bonita. Hence the stadium’s nickname “Pretty Girl”.
The Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho officially opened on November 17, 1947. The inaugural match however was played later. Flamengo beat Bangu 4–2. Joel Rezende from Flamengo scored the stadium’s first goal.
Initially, there were plans for a much larger stadium. It was supposed to hold 60,000 people. But the final capacity was smaller. Over the years, Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho has hosted many important matches. These include games from the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol and Copa do Brasil. The stadium’s record attendance was around 17,000. It was set in 1948 during a match between Bangu and Fluminense.
Today, Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho holds about 9,000 spectators. Due to insufficient lighting, games are usually played during the day.
The Estádio Proletário Guilherme da Silveira Filho stands as a testament to Bangu’s football legacy. It’s a place where memories have been made. It is a place where the community gathers to celebrate their team.