In preparation for Super Bowl 58, the designated home-team Kansas City Chiefs are set to utilize the Las Vegas Raiders' practice facility. The San Francisco 49ers, as the designated road team, will use the facilities at UNLV.
However, reports from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports indicate that the 49ers aren't entirely satisfied with the condition of the practice field they will utilize this week.
"Sources tell CBS Sports the 49ers Super Bowl practice field measured a bit soft for their liking last week," Jones wrote via social media. "The field passes all safety tests, but SF's preference is for it to be firmer. They have a walkthrough on it today and will determine next steps."
Sources tell @CBSSports the 49ers Super Bowl practice field measured a bit soft for their liking last week. The field passes all safety tests, but SF's preference is for it to be firmer. They have a walkthrough on it today and will determine next steps https://t.co/e4bkFjO9y7
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 5, 2024
The NFL had laid natural grass over UNLV's turf in preparation for the NFC champions. Ahead of the team's arrival, 49ers equipment staff and grounds team members traveled to Las Vegas last week to inspect the facilities. Jones mentions that the 49ers have "considered alternatives."
Jones states that the team has three options.
- Proceed with their scheduled practice on the existing field.
- Bring in new, firmer sod that could be ready for practice this week.
- Negotiate with the NFL to also practice at the Las Vegas Raiders' facility.
Since this isn't a safety issue and is simply a preference, it seems unlikely any location changes will be made. Matt Barrows of The Athletic points out that the Raiders' facility is spacious enough to accommodate two teams, featuring both outdoor and indoor fields.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that "there are seams on the practice field, and it feels like they are practicing on a sponge surface." However, he notes that the 49ers would prefer to remain at UNLV. The insider adds that the team is "not happy" and will hold their already-scheduled Monday walk-through at noon. That will allow players and coaches to examine the conditions more closely.
"The 49ers aren't happy and we haven't heard the last of this..
There are seams on the practice field and it feels like they're practicing on a sponge surface" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/KDH9VeP4d2 pic.twitter.com/iH2huz44kK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 5, 2024
Shifting to the Raiders' facility might take additional planning as everything has been set up for UNLV, and the Chiefs might resist accommodating their opponent for a matter that doesn't impact safety.
As it stands, it's more likely the 49ers remain at UNLV.