The Sambodromo consists of several independent concrete structures along both sides of Av. Marquês de Sapucaí.

The Sambadrome was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and built in 1984. It consists of 700 m stretch of street converted into a permanent parade ground with bleachers built on either side for spectators. Its capacity i  65,000.
 
The pavement of the street itself is painted white a few days before Carnival, and turned samba runway (or passarela). It ends at the Apotheosis Square,  crowned by a large M in concrete, vaguely reminding  the symbol of a fast-food Chin The Sambodrome is divided in sectors and each sector has different kinds of seats. Camarotes (or mezzanine boxes) are the most coveted positions.
 
Being invited to a box means you are someone in Rio's society. And then there's all the free food and drinks, of course.This is where you get to meet international stars, socialites, soccer players, politicians, diplomats, and fashion models. Some always misbehave, giving plenty of material for the tabloids and gossip columns to explore.