Estádio Roberto Santos (Pituaçu)

Built in 1979, the ground was originally conceived to carry the weight of the city’s football when its older venues became unsafe. The 2009 renovation, completed after the tragedy at Fonte Nova, transformed the site into a modern arena, adding the solar panels that now cover the roof and the electronic display visible in the photographs. It has since hosted matches for the United States men’s national team during their 2014 preparation, and it is currently being prepared for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The stadium is home to several local clubs, including Galícia and Atlântico, and provides a regular venue for Bahia and Vitória when their primary grounds are unavailable. It is a place of quiet utility, where the sun reflects off the yellow seats and the wind moves through the open structure. The capacity of 32,157 has been reached on several occasions, but the most enduring feature is the way the stands fit against the slope of the Pituaçu hill, a reminder of the city’s geography rather than just its football history.