NFL Prepares Maracanã Field for Ravens‑Cowboys Game Amid Safety Concerns

The NFL is set to host a Baltimore Ravens‑Dallas Cowboys matchup at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium, a first for the league in Brazil. Field crews have been working all week to ensure the turf can support high‑speed play, trimming the grass with scissors and applying a fiber layer using the new GrassMaster Stitch Machine. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas said the field “checks out” and posted a video showing its appearance, but he also warned that international sites lack the resources and climate control of U. S. venues, making maintenance more difficult. NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter highlighted that two of the three recent Brazil games experienced field issues, raising player‑safety concerns. The league’s push into global markets hinges on delivering a safe playing surface, but the challenges at Maracanã underscore the logistical hurdles ahead.