The idea is to start with the white Maracanã stands in the 2008 Libertadores

Fans may have something new in 2008 (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)

Hugo Perruso - Lancenet

The Special Group for Joy and Safety in Stadiums (Gease-Fla), present at Flamengo games at Maracanã with the goal of assisting and defending the rights and safety of fans, will continue in 2008 and already has new projects. The main one is to sell tickets online (with a maximum of five tickets) and to provide reserved seating in the white stands at Maracanã.

The idea is to implement it in the Libertadores, giving fans special treatment. There will be a themed space with television, air conditioning, and an official store. The idea is initially under consideration, but it has gained the support of Flamengo president Marcio Braga and the Suderj (Rio de Janeiro State Sports Federation).

The project is similar to what Palmeiras already does. The São Paulo club allocates 5 seats, with numbered seats, to be sold online via credit card. The card itself is swiped at the stadium turnstile, eliminating scalpers. The price is R$49,50, but fans have access to amenities such as exclusive restrooms, snack bars, TV, and an official store.

Another of Gease's ideas is to make better use of the Maracanã's big screens. The group plans to encourage fans to arrive at the stadium early and enjoy entertainment until game time. The goal is to avoid crowds at the entrance just before kickoff (one of the fans' complaints).

In addition to using the screens before the game, Gease also plans to do the same at the end, for the same reasons. Once the matches are over, the screens would show highlights and goals, thus avoiding crowds at the exit of the Maracanã stadium.