NFL confirms Maracanã field meets standards ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game
The playing surface at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium passed required tests after NFLPA concerns, clearing the way for the upcoming Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys matchup.
The NFL announced that the grass field at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium satisfied all mandatory requirements following inspections conducted with the NFL Players Association and an independent specialist. Field director Nick Pappas said the league has performed monthly checks since January and made recent improvements after heavy rainfall and soccer matches at the venue.
"We have an independent inspector that comes in, walks with myself, walks with a member of the NFLPA. They were here yesterday. Performed that test. Things check out. We've made additional improvements to the field that we think were helpful," Pappas told reporters.
The NFLPA’s executive director JC Tretter had earlier warned that the turf could be loose, patchy and cause excessive slipping, noting that such conditions affect playability more than injury risk. He emphasized player safety and the need for a surface that supports optimal performance.
The league’s assessment concluded that the field is suitable for play, and the Cowboys conducted a walkthrough on Saturday, with players testing footing using both bare feet and cleats. The game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens is set to begin at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, with the Cowboys listed as the home team.