The Maracanã Stadium will be packed for the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony taking place on Friday (5 August) at 8pm. With that in mind, Rio2016.com has compiled a list of essential information for spectators who have their tickets and plan to attend.

Be sure to keep the following in mind:

- E-tickets, the kind that are printed out at home, will not be accepted at the Rio 2016 ceremonies for security reasons. It is therefore essential to bring your original ticket as issued at a ticket office or received from Rio 2016.

- The Maracanã ticket offices will not be open on Friday (5 August). Spectators who still need to collect their tickets should do so from other outlets. Check Rio 2016 ticket office locations here.

- Gate E/F will close before the start of the event, at the latest at 7.15pm. If necessary, please use Gate D to access the venue instead.

- Use public transport to get to the Maracanã, as parking will not be possible at the venue or nearby.

- Buy your RioCard (public transport pass) in advance, as access to some public transport stations is restricted to passengers in possession of a RioCard and valid tickets.

- Arrive early: the venue will be open from 4.30pm. We suggest that you take your seat by 7:15pm.

Check the Spectator Guide for further information.

To buy tickets for the Olympic Games go to the Rio 2016 portal