The stadium design intentionally leaves one side open to frame the view of the historic Dique do Tororó, a natural lake.
The original stadium on this site was inaugurated in 1951 and was demolished in 2010 to make way for the current facility.
The Dique do Tororó surrounding the arena features large statues of Orixás, deities from the Candomblé religion, created by artist Tatti Moreno.
The roof structure is a lightweight tensile membrane designed to cover all 52,000 seats while allowing natural light onto the pitch.
It was the first stadium in Brazil to be certified with the LEED Silver sustainability rating for its environmental construction practices.
Arena Fonte Nova, officially Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, is a multi-purpose stadium in Salvador, Bahia, built on the site of the former Estádio Octávio Mangabeira. It features a unique horseshoe-shaped design that leaves one end open, providing a panoramic view of the Dique do Tororó. The stadium was completely reconstructed to serve as a host venue for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It currently serves as the home stadium for local clubs Esporte Clube Bahia and Esporte Clube Vitória. The seating bowl accommodates 52,000 spectators across three tiers of seating. It functions as a significant cultural and sporting hub for the city, hosting both major soccer matches and large-scale international music concerts. The facility integrates modern architectural standards with sustainable design elements, including rainwater harvesting systems.
From the Dique do Tororó waterfront looking up at the open-ended side of the stadium bowl.
Check the schedule in advance, as the stadium is occasionally closed to the public on non-match days for private events.
If attending a night match, ensure you have organized your post-game transport in advance, as crowds can be significant.
Bring sun protection if attending a daytime match, as the upper tiers have sections that are not fully shaded.
Avoid relying on street-side parking on match days, as perimeter closures are standard.
Closed to the public on match days except for ticket holders; guided tours are occasionally available during non-event weeks.
Avoid wearing the colors of opposing teams if attending a rivalry match to maintain a neutral or respectful presence.
