LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 01: Workers paint a Super Bowl LVIII logo on the field outside of Allegiant Stadium on February 01, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game will be played on February 11, 2024, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers, the team representing the NFC, is practicing out of UNLV’s Football Complex during Super Bowl week. They do not appear to be happy about it.
The San Francisco 49ers landed in Las Vegas on Sunday, and they’re trying to get their footing ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that a group of 49ers staffers that includes members of the equipment staff and grounds team inspected the field and have now raised concerns about the firmness of the surface.
The report says the league laid natural grass over UNLV’s artificial turf and those staffers believe the field is too soft and the team is considering alternatives.
According to Jones, the 49ers will now have to decide whether to continue using the current surface, install new sod in advance of practice on Wednesday, or negotiate with the NFL to use the Raiders’ facility.
Both Super Bowl participants will stay at properties in Lake Las Vegas, about a 40 to 50-minute drive from the Strip.
The 49ers could also face challenges as the practice facility is outdoor without any indoor football fields available, and the weather shows daily chances of rainfall.
The Kansas City Chiefs will practice at their rival’s facilities when they head to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII. As the AFC representative in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs will practice out of the Raiders’ headquarters during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.