Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas opens Espaço Lonier for NFL's Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, September 24, marking the first American football team to train at its facility.

The partnership was announced by the NFL, confirming that the clash between Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will be played at Maracanã on September 27. While the Cowboys train at Ninho do Urubu, Botafogo hosts the Ravens for one or two days, boosting the club's international profile.

Why was Botafogo chosen?

Botafogo boasts one of Brazil's most modern training centers, featuring the state‑of‑the‑art Espaço Lonier, synthetic pitch and recovery zones. The selection aligns with the NFL's strategy to pair the league with top‑tier facilities in Latin America. For Botafogo, the visit brings global media attention and potential new sponsorships, a priority as the club pushes for better league results.

Impact on Botafogo's season

Sitting 6th in Serie A with 63 points from 17 wins, 12 draws and 9 losses, Botafogo is striving to improve its standing. The side has scored 58 goals and conceded 38, holding a +20 goal difference. They remain 16 points behind leaders Flamengo, but the exposure from the event could attract reinforcements for the second half of the season.

What to expect from the NFL game?

The Ravens‑Cowboys showdown will be the first NFL match in Rio and the third in Brazil after two games in São Paulo. Maracanã will host roughly 70,000 fans, with tickets starting at R$ 427.50. The contest is part of the 2026‑27 regular season and is classified as a “playoff‑level” game.

Community reaction

Botafogo supporters are thrilled at the chance to see stars like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry train nearby. Social media hashtags #BotafogoNFL and #RavensInRio have already gathered thousands of mentions. The club also plans to open the training ground to fans on training days, strengthening the bond with its base.

Next steps for Botafogo

After the Ravens' visit, Botafogo refocuses on Serie A, with crucial fixtures ahead. Management vows to leverage the heightened visibility to negotiate better broadcast and sponsorship deals, elevating the club’s brand on the world stage.

Note: Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas remains 6th in Serie A, 63 points, 58 goals scored and 38 conceded, while still 16 points behind Flamengo, as they aim to close the gap.