NFL clears Maracanã pitch before Ravens-Cowboys game, while union keeps watch
The league says an inspection found the Rio field met requirements after crews reinforced its stitching. The NFL Players Association plans to assess conditions through kickoff.
The NFL says Maracanã Stadium’s field is ready for the Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys Week 3 game in Rio de Janeiro, following concerns about traction and stability. The league’s clearance came before kickoff and does not establish how the surface performed during play.
NFL field director Nick Pappas said an independent inspector assessed the field alongside league and players’ association representatives. He told reporters the surface met requirements and that crews had made further improvements.
The NFL Players Association said its experts had recommended reinforced stitching to help improve traction and stability. The union said its representatives would continue evaluating the surface through kickoff.
The condition of the pitch had drawn attention amid wear from Brazil’s football season. Local clubs Flamengo and Fluminense regularly use Maracanã.
This is the NFL’s third game in Brazil since 2024 and its first at Maracanã. The first two were played at São Paulo’s NeoQuímica Arena, where the opening game drew complaints about slipping and some players changed their cleats.
