NFL Moves Rams-Vikings Wild Card Game to Arizona Amid LA Wildfires
The Los Angeles Rams' home playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings has been relocated to Arizona due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The National Football League announced on Thursday that the Los Angeles Rams' home playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, scheduled for Monday, will be relocated to Arizona due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The game will now take place at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL made this decision after consulting with public officials, team representatives, and the players' union, citing concerns for public safety. “In the interest of public safety, Monday's Vikings-Rams wild card game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA to State Farm Stadium,” the league stated.
This venue change comes on the heels of the NBA's decision to postpone the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets, which was scheduled for Thursday. The relocation of the Rams' playoff game is the latest example of the widespread impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on the sports world.
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least five lives and destroyed entire neighborhoods, forcing the NFL to relocate the Rams' playoff game. The Rams practiced outside on Thursday at their Woodland Hills training base, under smoke-filled skies.
— NFL345 (@NFL345) January 10, 2025
Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying, “It's one of those deals that almost doesn't feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected.” McVay expressed empathy for those impacted, adding, “You just see the amount of people that are affected and it's one of those deals that it gives you perspective. Hopefully, they get this stuff under control.”
McVay noted that the fires have had a personal impact on some members of the Rams' staff, saying, “Fortunately for us, there have been some people that have been affected in regards to power outages, and recommended evacuations - a couple of our staff members did have their homes affected - but fortunately to my knowledge, nobody has been injured. For that, we're grateful.”
The Los Angeles Chargers, the Rams' city rivals, also practiced outside ahead of their playoff game in Houston on Saturday. Chargers coach Brandon Staley did not speak on the matter, however, his counterpart Jim Harbaugh did. Harbaugh's daughter Grace's home was evacuated due to the fires, but the team remains focused on their playoff matchup against the Texans. Harbaugh said, “Heart goes out and abundant prayers to all those that have been affected by this tragedy.”
VIKINGS-RAMS RELOCATION: In the interest of public safety, Monday's Vikings vs. Rams Wild Card game has been moved to Arizona.
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2025
The game will be televised on ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ at its scheduled 8pm ET time. pic.twitter.com/VVJcRZrSYM
Harbaugh expressed admiration for the community's resilience and the efforts of first responders, saying, “Just been inspired greatly by the first responders, the firefighters and the residents that have pulled together, had each other's back.” He added, “You see neighbors on top of houses helping fellow neighbors. It's truly inspiring.”
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