Hi Ashley!
We sincerely thank you for your detailed comments. We greatly value your perspective and are committed to using your feedback to further improve our services. We understand your concerns regarding prices, however we must make some considerations, perhaps because you are not used to the football scene (as you said it was your first football game) in relation to ticket availability and prices, especially in South America.
Regarding the issue of tickets, it is important to highlight that Flamengo's games at Maracanã are highly attended events, always sold out, and the majority of tickets are in the hands of season ticket holders. This situation, unfortunately, limits availability for the general public and is especially challenging for foreigners, due to the specific requirements, such as tax number, necessary to purchase online in Brazil.
The prices you see printed on tickets do not necessarily reflect the actual cost to us. When purchasing tickets from third-party suppliers, we face higher prices, especially for high-profile games such as the derby against Fluminense in which you attended (the most expensive of the season). In addition, we are responsible for commissions from intermediaries, such as the website through which you made the purchase, which can significantly increase final costs. Still, we do our best to offer an authentic and local experience.
We want to clarify that by purchasing tickets through your hotel, you would be guaranteed to attend the game, but the specific selection of the best sector of the stadium that we offer would not be guaranteed. Furthermore, by participating in our packages, we connect fans to the vibrant environment, providing meaningful interactions with local fans and guides like Fábio, enriching the experience in ways that would not be possible when purchasing tickets separately through your hotel.
Thank you again for your comments and for providing us with the opportunity to clarify these points. We are committed to continually improving our services and ensuring that each customer gets the most out of their experience with us. We hope to have you back with us on future occasions to provide an even more memorable experience!