Sao Paulo boosts security for NFL’s first South American game

Sao Paulo has heightened security measures ahead of the first-ever NFL game in South America, following concerns raised by players about travelling to Brazil, the state government announced on Wednesday. The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Green Bay Packers at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo on Friday, marking the first NFL game on the continent and the first Week One game played on a Friday evening since 1970.

Some Eagles players have expressed concerns about safety in São Paulo, the largest city in the southern hemisphere. Wide receiver AJ Brown mentioned that the team had been briefed on safety precautions, saying, "We had a meeting with a whole bunch of 'Don't Do's'. So I'm just trying to go down there, win a football game and come back home." Players were reportedly advised against walking in public while holding mobile phones.

Cornerback Darius Slay voiced his reluctance to visit Brazil, citing high crime rates and restrictions on movement, saying, "I do not want to go to Brazil. They already told us not to leave the hotel." Slay later apologised on social media to anyone he may have offended with his remarks.

In response, the São Paulo state government announced it would deploy specialised civil and military police units to bolster security during the game. Officers will be stationed at key locations, including streets, train stations, hotels, and tourist sites. The military police will also increase personnel numbers at Guarulhos Airport and provide escorts for the teams to their hotels, training sites, and the stadium. A security sweep of the stadium will be conducted before the match.