The San Francisco 49ers are facing some challenges with their practice field ahead of Super Bowl 58. As they make their final preparations for the big game, they are going to have to make do with the practice field at UNLV. This has raised some concerns among the team’s staff and players.
During a press conference at Super Bowl Opening Night, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the rumors about the field surface. He acknowledged the situation, saying, “It is what it is. We’ll be all right. It’s the field we got. We’re good.” Despite his reassurances, it seems that not everyone is pleased with the conditions.
According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, some 49ers staffers were not happy with the practice field at UNLV that the NFL set up for them to use this week. A group from the 49ers, including members of the equipment staff and grounds team, traveled to Las Vegas last week to assess the facilities. They felt that the grass overlay on the artificial turf was too soft for the team to practice on and have considered alternatives.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the sod was installed last week, with the NFL typically requiring practice fields for the Super Bowl to meet certain standards in December. He noted that the NFL hardness score for fields averages 78, with no field scoring less than 70. However, the 49ers’ field had a hardness score somewhere in the 50s.
Despite reports of dissatisfaction within the 49ers organization, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the field was unanimously approved by 23 different experts. It seems that there is a difference of opinion regarding the field’s suitability for practice.
The 49ers went through a walkthrough on Monday and are scheduled to have full practice sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Meanwhile, their Super Bowl opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs, are practicing at the Las Vegas Raiders’ indoor facility this week.
Some players have also voiced their concerns about the field. Nick Bosa told reporters that the surface “was a little soft” and felt “a little weird with the grass on top of the turf.” It remains to be seen how this will affect the team’s preparation for the game.
One reason Shanahan cited for choosing to practice at UNLV is to avoid disrupting the team’s schedule this week. The 49ers used their bye week to install their game plan for the Super Bowl, and this week’s practice sessions will be focused on fine-tuning it.
Despite the challenges they are facing with the practice field, the 49ers remain focused on their ultimate goal: winning Super Bowl 58. They will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The team is determined to overcome any obstacles and bring home the championship.