NFL says Maracanã Stadium field passed required tests before Cowboys-Ravens kickoff
NFL officials confirmed that the field at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium passed safety inspections ahead of the Cowboys-Ravens game. Despite concerns from the NFL Players Association regarding grass quality and potential slipping, the league maintains the surface is ready for play.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the logistical challenges and safety concerns associated with the NFL's international expansion efforts.
The playing surface at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium passed all testing Friday following concerns voiced by the NFL Players Association.
NFL field director Nick Pappas met with reporters on Saturday, one day before the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys are set to play . Pappas said that all mandatory requirements have been met regarding the surface, and testing was done in conjunction with the NFLPA and an independent specialist.
"We have an independent inspector that comes in, walks with myself, walks with a member of the NFLPA," Pappas said. "They were here yesterday. Performed that test. Things check out. We've made additional improvements to the field that we think were helpful."
However, close-up footage taken by Dallas' 105.3 The Fan showed several very thin patches on the field with sparse tufts of grass sprouting up from green-colored dirt.
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