Bravante’s experience: Maracanã cosy box

By Rafael Bortoloti

In this edition of Meet Rio, we are thrilled to showcase Grupo Bravante’s cosy box cabin at Maracanã, the most renowned football stadium on the planet. Partner of WSB Advisors, the company has been leasing this space since January 2023 to host clients and cerates valuable connections.

The cabin spans 13 metres in length, accommodating up to 23 people and is divided into two areas. Inside, you’ll find sofas, tables, an enormous screen, and football-themed decor. Outside, guests can experience the magic of interacting with the stands, joining in with the fans’ chants.

Visitors are invited to enjoy delicious hot dogs, ice lollies, “Globo” cookies (a cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro), chips, and other snacks. Beverage options still  includes drinks, soft drinks, water, and “mate” (another typical city soft drink). Amidst all this, spectators enjoy watching the match from one of the best vantage points at Maracanã.

Illustrious Visitors

Grupo Bravante opens the cabin doors on every match day for the professional men’s teams of Flamengo and Fluminense, who hold the public concession to manage Maracanã. Last year alone, there were 74 matches, facilitating over 1,300 encounters between the company and offshore colleagues and friends, such as Mai Tonheim, the Norwegian consul.

“The idea is to provide a space for welcoming clients, friends, and strategic partners, without the formal office environment. The focus is on strengthening relationships and engaging with partners relevant to the company’s business,” says Luanny Brandão, Marketing Manager at Grupo Bravante.

A frequent visitor is Raphael Montes, WSB’s proposals manager and a devoted Flamengo fan. Through visits to the box, he developed a close friendship with Rafael Drumond, from Grupo Bravante.

“We previously had only a professional relationship. This initiative allowed us to build a great friendship, fuelled by our shared love for Flamengo,” jokes Montes.

The experience is perfect for anyone visiting Maracanã to witness their favourite team win in the 49th minute of the second half, but it also helps ease the disappointment of a potential defeat. Grupo Bravante may not control the result on the field, but off it, everyone wins.

“The cabin fosters closer relationships with our customers and employees, which is crucial for us. Moreover, providing an experience for employees who haven’t had the chance to visit Maracanã is incredibly rewarding for all,” reveals Rafael Drumond.

He also counts an unforgettable moment in the cabin:

“The best experience I had was bringing my father to the box on Father’s Day last year. Only a company committed to human care like Bravante could make such moments possible. It was unforgettable, though it would have been better if Flamengo had won,” laughs Drumond.

Maracanã, the sacred temple of soccer

Visiting Maracanã is a unique experience in itself. Known as the Temple of Soccer, the stadium is among the world’s 30 largest, with a capacity for 78,000 spectators. It is the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals (1950 and 2014), along with countless memorable matches, including the 2023 Libertadores de América final.

The most prestigious tournament in South America, the Libertadores, saw Fluminense clinch the title over Boca Juniors (ARG). Bravante had a firsthand view of this historic clash, marking an unprecedented victory for Fluminense.

Affectionately called “Maraca,” the stadium boasts accessible architecture and a unique atmosphere. Amidst retired and active stars, it features a walk of fame where honorees, including athletes from other sports, leave their footprints in plaster casts, immortalising significant moments and individuals.

Bravante Group, a leader in the offshore industry

Since its inception in 1965 with bunker operations, Bravante has excelled in supporting services for the naval, port, oil & gas, environmental protection, maritime support, and underwater robotics industries. The company has evolved into five cohesive entities: Navemestra (bunkering), Estaleiro São Miguel (shipbuilding and repair), Hidroclean (environmental protection), Bravante Offshore (maritime support), and RRC Technology and Innovation.

Bravante Offshore has been supplying vessels such as OSRV, PSV, and AHTS since 2003, boasting a fleet of 17 assets.