NFL gives Cowboys-Ravens Rio Game thumbs up after field condition concerns
The NFL has spent months working on the grass at Maracanã Stadium.
The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will face off in a Week 3 matchup at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday. The field, which has raised concerns prior to the game, was deemed suitable for play following a thorough evaluation by the NFL. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas confirmed to the media that the field complied with all guidelines and that the league has been communicating with the NFL Players Association and both teams about the surface conditions.
The primary issue at the stadium is the rain, which has created a slippery playing surface. However, the league is confident that the field will be safe and playable for the contest. Pappas explained that the NFL has been working diligently to address the challenges posed by the abnormally wet spring and high traffic conditions.
The stadium boasts new Bermuda grass, and the NFL provided tarps to minimize the impact of the rain. Additionally, they enhanced the "agronomic package," which improved fertility, drainage, growth, and recovery of the grass. To further reinforce the field, they employed the GrassMaster Stitch Machine to drive synthetic fibers into the ground, as demonstrated in the accompanying footage.
Despite the extensive efforts made to ensure a high-quality playing surface for a regular season game, the NFL must continue to expand its global reach, even at the cost of significant resources.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
