NFL debuts at Rio's Maracana with Cowboys vs Ravens
League bets on Brazil as strategic market with record sponsors and $60M economic impact projected for Sunday's game.
KEY POINTS
- NFL plays first game at Maracana Stadium on Sept 27: Cowboys vs Ravens
- Brazil is NFL's second-largest market outside US with ~40 million fans
- Record 22 official sponsors for Rio game; $60M+ economic impact projected
- League executive says Brazil could host multiple games per year in future
- No public parking at venue; train station open until 22:00 with extra service
The NFL will play its first game at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium on Sunday, September 27, when the Dallas Cowboys face the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 3 regular season matchup. The contest marks the league's third consecutive year hosting games in Brazil, following two editions in Sao Paulo.
NFL Global Events Vice President Matt Shapiro told Valor Economico that Brazil has become a critical market with roughly 40 million declared fans, ranking second only to Mexico outside the United States. He indicated the country could support multiple games annually in the future.
“Brazil is a critical market for us and has the fan base and infrastructure to potentially sustain more than one game a year.”
Sunday's game has attracted a record 22 official sponsors, surpassing previous Brazil games. Direct economic impact for Rio is projected to exceed $60 million (approximately R$330 million), matching figures from the Sao Paulo editions.
Globo Esporte advises fans to use public transport or ride-sharing apps, as no public parking is available at the stadium. The Maracana train station will remain open until 10 PM with reinforced service on five lines. Sportv and ge TV will broadcast live, while TV Globo airs the halftime show featuring Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin.
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