Maracanã to host first NFL game in Rio, Cowboys v Ravens on 27 September | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, Maracanã will stage Rio de Janeiro’s first NFL game, with Dallas Cowboys facing Baltimore Ravens on 27 September, placing the stadium on the league’s international slate.

Luis Martínez, the NFL’s Brazil general manager, said relations with Flamengo and Fluminense are strong, with constant communication. He added that, as the stadium is also part of the state, staging the game week requires coordination across multiple parties.

The fixture arrives after a change in the Fla-Flu consortium’s management, prompted by the poor condition of the Maracanã pitch, an issue raised by players from both clubs.

Flamengo defender Léo Pereira said the surface has hindered the team’s play, contributing to wayward or weak finishes despite their attacking approach. He also credited the opposition goalkeeper and felt the side are creating, persisting and winning.

The NFL date adds to an already busy venue, so administrators must balance domestic football with international events. A successful collaboration could open the door to future editions in the city.

Organisers expect the Cowboys v Ravens meeting to drive tourism and international media interest, with local hotels and businesses likely to feel a positive effect. The challenge remains to protect pitch quality for Brasileirão fixtures, something Flamengo supporters hope will improve.

The report also noted that American football matches significantly affected the turf at Neo Química Arena, prompting doubts over whether Maracanã is the ideal venue for this showcase.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”