NFLSep 26
NFL makes final turf adjustments before Cowboys-Ravens game in Rio
The league says additional work at Maracana Stadium has addressed field concerns as Dallas and Baltimore prepare for Sunday's matchup.
· 2 min read
On this page2 sections
Final preparations at Maracana
Ground crews continued trimming and leveling the grass at Maracana Stadium on Saturday as the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens approached the NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro. Workers used mowers and scissors to tackle uneven areas, with the work expected to finish hours before Sunday's kickoff. NFL field director Nick Pappas said Saturday that further improvements had been made after concerns were raised by the players union, and indicated the league was satisfied with its checks. The surface has drawn scrutiny for almost two weeks following heavy use during the Brazilian soccer season. Flamengo and Fluminense regularly play at the stadium, which has an entirely natural-grass field.
Traction remains the focus
The NFL Players Association said Friday that experts working for both the union and the league had been monitoring conditions. The union's specialists were concerned that loose turf could cause excessive slipping. The NFL reinforced the field's stitching to address traction and stability. Pappas had also expressed confidence earlier in the week that players would be able to perform without problems. Brazil has hosted NFL games since 2024, but the previous two matchups took place at NeoQuimica Arena in Sao Paulo, where the surface combines natural and synthetic grass. During the inaugural game there, Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers players changed cleats after experiencing slipping. Dallas and Baltimore started their Rio preparations Friday after roughly 10-hour flights. Both teams were expected to visit Maracana for the first time later Saturday. Sunday's matchup is part of a schedule featuring a record nine international games this season.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
