NFLSep 25
Maracanã Field Gets Reinforcement Ahead of Cowboys-Ravens Game in Rio
NFL and NFLPA specialists are assessing traction and stability as Dallas and Baltimore prepare for Sunday’s game.
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Field work continues before kickoff
The playing surface at Maracanã Stadium remains under review ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, the NFL’s first game in Rio de Janeiro. NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said Friday that field specialists representing the league and union have spent days in Brazil evaluating the grass. Their assessment identified a need to improve traction and stability, prompting a recommendation for reinforced stitching to help keep the surface intact. Equipment was brought in to reinforce as much of the field as possible before the game. Experts will continue checking conditions through kickoff.
Weather adds to preparation challenges
NFL field director Nick Pappas said Monday that the league had not discussed moving the game. He acknowledged that record rainfall in Rio over the past six weeks had complicated preparations, but indicated the challenges were manageable. Concerns about the stadium’s grass surfaced last week after professional soccer players complained about conditions at their home venue. Tretter said the union’s concerns entering the week centered on uneven coverage, loose turf and excessive slipping. He characterized those potential problems primarily as issues affecting playability and performance rather than a major injury concern, while emphasizing that player safety alone does not determine whether a field is suitable.
Teams await stadium walk-throughs
Dallas and Baltimore traveled to Brazil on Thursday night and have Friday afternoon practices scheduled. Their first opportunity to inspect the stadium surface will come during Saturday walk-throughs. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said Thursday that the uncertainty surrounding the field was not his main focus. He expressed confidence that the league was working to provide safe conditions while stressing the importance of prioritizing players.
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