Estádio Godofredo Cruz, Brazil (1954–2014)
Americano Futebol clube
The Estádio Godofredo Cruz was the home of the modest, but very traditional Brazilian club from the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Americano Futebol Clube, from 1954 to 2014.
The idea of building a stadium arose in a period when the Americano was structured and emerged with good campaigns in the regional championships. With the intention of consolidating itself even more as an important club in the regional scenario, Americano bought the land and started the works, which were completed in early 1954. The inauguration of the stadium, named after Godofredo Cruz, honoring an old president of the club, took place on January 24, 1954, with two friendly matches, the first with a 4x1 victory by Bangu over another team from the city, Goytacaz, and the second with a defeat by Americano against Vasco da Gama by 4x1. The Godofredo Cruz Stadium also became the third largest stadium in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro, with an audience capacity of 12,300 people.
The following decades became the period of greatest glory for the Americano, with the Estádio Godofredo Cruz as the seat of great campaigns. The Americano became regional champion for 6 times, won a historic second division title of the Brazilian Championship, in addition to being runner-up state champion once.
In 2013, Americano was in serious financial trouble. Therefore, the club decided to accept a proposal from a real estate company to sell the Estádio Godofredo Cruz and be able to pay its debts. On June 8, 2013, Americano played his farewell match at Estádio Godofredo Cruz with a 1x1 draw against Barra Mansa. In 2014, the old stadium was demolished.
