How long is the Sambadrome parade avenue in Rio de Janeiro, in metres?
Answer
700 metres
The Sambadrome parade avenue in Rio de Janeiro is 700 metres long.
The avenue, formally known as the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, was designed as a permanent route for Rio’s major samba-school parades. Its length gives each school a defined performance space in which to present its floats, costumes, dancers, percussion section, and theme.
The complex was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984. It replaced the temporary street arrangements that had previously been used for the principal samba-school parades. Grandstands and other spectator structures line the avenue, while the Praça da Apoteose forms its southern end.
The 700-metre measurement refers to the parade runway, not the entire surrounding complex or the distance travelled by spectators entering the venue. This distinction matters because descriptions of the Sambadrome may also include its stands, offices, access areas, and the terminal square.