Melão, Municipal stadium in Jardim Sion, Varginha, Brazil.
Melão is a football stadium in Varginha, Minas Gerais, owned by the town hall. It was built in 1988 with an initial project for 45,000 seats, but its registered capacity after completion was 20,000; under current safety rules it holds 15,471 spectators. The pitch is natural grass, and the ground is used by Varginha Esporte Clube, Boa Esporte Clube and local rugby teams.
Melão was built in 1988 and inaugurated on October 7 of that year, when Atlético Mineiro beat Flamengo de Varginha 1–0; Renato scored the first goal. On October 10, 1991, it hosted Brazil's 3–1 win over Yugoslavia, Carlos Alberto Parreira's return as manager, with goals by Luís Henrique, Müller and Raí. The attendance record of 19,900 dates from March 12, 1989, in Flamengo de Varginha's 1–0 win over Atlético Mineiro.
The stadium carries the name of Dilzon Luiz de Melo, a local official who served as mayor while the venue was being built. This naming reflects how the community honors those who contributed to expanding its sports infrastructure.
Melão sits in the Jardim Sion area of Varginha, near Parque Municipal São Francisco and the Military Police Battalion. It is a working ground: Varginha Esporte Clube, Boa Esporte Clube and three rugby clubs (Varginha, Minas and Gaya) play their home matches here. Access follows the match calendar, so confirm a fixture before travelling.
On 30 October 1991 the Melão hosted Brazil's 3–1 win over Yugoslavia, Carlos Alberto Parreira's first match back as manager and the start of the run to the 1994 World Cup title. Luís Henrique, Müller and Raí scored.
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