The San Francisco 49ers took part in their first practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Wednesday. It’s been a major point of contention with San Francisco having to practice on-campus at UNLV and the opposing Kansas City Chiefs using the Las Vegas Raiders’ state-of-the-art facility.
Another layer was added to this early in the week when reports broke that the 49ers were not happy with the condition of the practice field at UNLV.
Last week saw natural grass laid on top of two artificial-field surfaces. According to multiple media reports, conditions of the fields have generated safety concerns.
“I can tell you after talking to various people from the 49ers they don’t seem particular pleased with the practice field,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell downplayed this on Monday, indicating that the practice field was up to standards for the league.
About that? We have new information from multiple sources heading into Sunday’s Super Bowl inside Allegiant Stadium. It is not a good look for the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers furious with how NFL botched practice situation
“Publicly, the 49ers are taking the high road. But, behind the scenes, they are furious with how the NFL botched this,” Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan did note during Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday that they “are not worried at all” and the practice fields “continue to improve every day.”
That’s the 49ers’ public stance on this. Internally, they are not happy about how the NFL has handled the situation and believe that it’s given the Chiefs a competitive advantage.
NFLPA calls out league over conditions of San Francisco 49ers’ practice fields
NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell went on record Wednesday blasting the league over the situation by indicating that the UNLV practice field “really isn’t up to snuff for what our players deserve.”
“Hopefully we’ve gotten to a workable condition, but the mere fact that you’re asking the question in our biggest event means that this is an issue,” Howell continued.
As all of this is playing out at UNLV, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had nothing but praise regarding the conditions at the Raiders’ practice facility where they are held up.
“It’s great conditions to prepare for this game,” Reid told reporters. “I think our guys have been focused in on this point, and the facilities are great.”
This is going to be a continued story leading up to Super Bowl LVIII in the matter of days. That’s for sure.