Maracanã pitch quality suffered after post-World Cup events
Adverse weather, a major concert, and friendly matches have hindered the recovery of the Maracanã pitch following the World Cup break.
The pitch at the Maracanã, home to both Flamengo and Fluminense, has faced significant difficulties following the break for the World Cup. Despite a lack of official matches during the period, the playing surface struggled to recover.
The decline in quality was caused by a combination of challenging winter weather, a large-scale concert, and friendly matches hosted by Fluminense. The Bermuda Celebration grass species used on the field thrives in warmer temperatures, meaning the unusually cold and rainy conditions throughout June severely stunted its growth.
Greenleaf, the company responsible for pitch maintenance, initiated an overseeding process, but it was disrupted by matches held in July. Furthermore, the stadium faces an extreme challenge by hosting over 70 matches per season, far exceeding the typical usage of European arenas, which complicates ongoing maintenance efforts.
Expectations for the immediate future are more optimistic. Warmer weather is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the vegetation, likely leading to better field conditions for upcoming fixtures. The stadium currently utilizes a hybrid turf technology, consisting of 90% natural grass and 10% synthetic fibers, to increase durability under the heavy schedule.