Rio Field Concerns
Cowboys and Ravens Game in Rio Remains Set Despite Field Concerns
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Key Points
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Maracanã Stadium was built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup and reportedly fell into neglect after the 2016 Summer Olympics, adding historical context to the current field concerns.
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The Cowboys are scheduled to arrive in Brazil Friday morning and will not see Maracanã until Saturday, one day before the game; Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the field situation was “front of mind” but that he did not yet have additional information.
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During the previous NFL game in Brazil, between the Eagles and Packers in São Paulo, players described the Arena Corinthians surface as slippery, and Eagles running back Saquon Barkley switched to longer-spiked cleats to improve his footing.
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This will be the NFL’s first game at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium, while Flamengo is scheduled to play Bragantino there shortly before the Cowboys-Ravens matchup, potentially adding further wear to the already criticized surface.
The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens remain scheduled to play in Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on September 27 despite serious concerns about the field. ESPN reports that NFL field director Nick Pappas stated there are "no concerns" about playing conditions, but Flamengo players who recently used the same pitch described it as unplayable — with bumps everywhere and deteriorating grass throughout both penalty areas.
The stadium will host a Flamengo soccer match on September 20, just seven days before kickoff. The Cowboys don't arrive until September 25 and won't see the field until September 26 — one day before the game. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones called the situation "front of mind," while the NFLPA is actively monitoring the situation for player safety risks.
Flamengo Players Slam Field Conditions as Unplayable
Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi said the pitch is "unbelievable" with bumps covering both penalty areas. ge quoted him saying the conditions are deplorable. Midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta warned the field "keeps getting worse" and called for urgent solutions. Both players explicitly referenced the upcoming NFL game and expressed doubt the surface would improve in time.
The NFL's Track Record With International Field Problems
This isn't the NFL's first international field disaster. In São Paulo last year, the Eagles and Packers played on a slippery surface at Arena Corinthians. Running back Saquon Barkley switched to longer-spiked cleats mid-game just to maintain footing, according to ESPN. In 2018, the NFL relocated a Chiefs-Rams game from Mexico City to Los Angeles just six days before kickoff after Estadio Azteca proved unsafe.
Dallas Morning News reported that Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed "no concerns" after the league assured him repairs would be completed. Owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the situation but said the league has "a plan in place to ensure a high-quality playing surface," according to Front Office Sports.
Cowboys Get Only One Day to Evaluate the Pitch
The timeline is brutally tight. Flamengo plays Bragantino on September 20, adding fresh wear to an already damaged surface. The NFL then has exactly seven days for repairs before kickoff. The Cowboys land on September 25 and don't walk the field until September 26 — giving them just 24 hours to identify problems before the game.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb shrugged off concerns, saying simply "Let's play," per WFAA. But the NFLPA isn't treating it lightly — the union confirmed it's monitoring the situation closely and communicating with league leadership about potential safety risks to players.
Maracanã's Long History of Neglect Adds Risk
Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, Maracanã Stadium suffered years of deterioration after the 2016 Olympics ended. Infrastructure problems and poor maintenance created ongoing issues. The venue now hosts an international NFL game for the first time — but the field is showing the strain of heavy use and inadequate upkeep.
If conditions become unsafe by September 27, NBC Sports suggests AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — the Cowboys' home — would be the backup venue. The NFL currently has no plans to relocate the game, but officials acknowledge they're monitoring the situation closely as the match approaches.
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