The Manoel Schwartz Stadium
The Manoel Schwartz Stadium, also known as Estádio das Laranjeiras, as it is located in the neighborhood of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro, was the first in Brazil. It was built to host the South American Championship of Selections, current Copa America. In the inaugural game, on May 11, 1919, Brazil thrashed Chile 6-0. Fluminense rented the Laranjeiras stadium in October 1902, three months after its founding. At that time, the tricolors used a donkey named Faísca to mow the grass. To avoid damage in the field, gloves were put on the animal's paws... Did you know?