Preparing the field for Sunday’s NFL game in Paris began months ago at an Italian farm near Milan
PARIS (AP) — Work on preparing the grass field for Sunday’s NFL game at Stade de France began months ago at an Italian farm near Milan.So when the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints run out of the tunnel, the hope is that the surface will feel much like those back home.
The preparation for Sunday's NFL game in Paris at Stade de France started six months ago at an Italian farm near Milan. The field was installed about three weeks ago, grown from the farm and transported to Paris in trucks over a 10-hour journey. Nick Pappas, the NFL's field director, explained that the field is a hybrid of natural grass with artificial fibers to ensure stability and performance.
The NFL field is slightly longer than a standard soccer pitch, requiring extension of the Stade de France's length. The team also had to erect yellow field goal posts and work with the stadium's team to install concrete bases for them. The only challenge faced was some rainy weather in Paris. For the 53-man NFL team, additional locker room facilities were set up.
The NFL has announced a record nine-match international schedule for 2026, with France being one of the key markets. The NFL hopes this game is the first of many in France, marking a long-term investment in the market.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
