NFL’s changes at Maracanã spark apprehension for the pitch, home to Flamengo and Fluminense matches.
The Maracanã pitch, already frequently criticized, faces a new challenge with the arrival of the National Football League (NFL). The stadium will host the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens during the FIFA international break.
This event brings novelties such as the painting of yard lines and the installation of American football goalposts. The initiative intensifies concerns about the pitch’s conservation, considered home to Flamengo and Fluminense.
Impact on stadium infrastructure
The setup of the NFL structure began right after Flamengo‘s match against Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A. The adaptations at the Maracanã go beyond the field, including improvements in the locker rooms to accommodate visiting teams.
Soccer players have already expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch’s conditions. The NFL‘s game, with its significantly larger field dimensions than the FIFA standard, could aggravate the wear and tear on the playing surface.
Return expectations
The history of NFL events in other Brazilian stadiums, such as the Neo Química Arena, suggests that pitch damage may be superficial. However, the situation remains under close observation.
The proximity of Flamengo‘s return to the Maracanã, scheduled for October 11 against Fluminense, maintains expectations regarding the pitch’s recovery after the structures are dismantled. The first NFL game in Rio de Janeiro takes place this Sunday (27).
By Equipe M360
