1. Food and drink is allowed in so bring what you want. There are guys that come round with all kinds of things for you to buy from drinks to burgers.
2. Take an umbrella and a light coat as it might rain during the night and you'll be wet for a long time if you don't.
3. Take a camera/camcorder. It's safe inside the Sambadrome as you'll probably be sitting next to tourists as the ticket prices are too high for some of the poorer locals. Take care outside as it's very crowded and there's all sorts of people around. I walked out at about 3am and the area was packed and I didn't like it that much when I was carrying my rucksack around back to the metro station.
4. Bring a cushion as the 'seats' are actually concrete steps and you'll have to sit on them for hours. Again, there are people selling these in case you forget.
5. Bring so info along about the samba schools to read during the breaks. You will probably receive a booklet when you get your tickets so take this with you to pass the time.


