Los Angeles has been facing serious challenges this week due to wildfires, leading to the NFL’s decision to move the Los Angeles Rams wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona. This game will now take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. The league announced this change on Thursday after a new fire broke out just a few miles from the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills.
In light of the ongoing wildfires, the Rams canceled the media availability for players after practice to ensure their safety. The NFL stated that the decision was made “in the interest of public safety.” The fires have caused significant destruction in the Los Angeles area, with over 10,000 structures impacted by two major fires—the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. The latest fire, known as the Kenneth Fire, expanded rapidly, leading to evacuation orders in nearby neighborhoods.
Though SoFi Stadium in Inglewood isn’t in immediate danger, concerns about air quality and the potential strain on local emergency services influenced the decision to relocate the game. Both the Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers have been practicing outdoors this week, but coaches expressed worries about air quality. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh even reduced outdoor practice times significantly.
After a practice session on Friday, the Rams confirmed they would travel to Phoenix and have a practice at the Cardinals’ complex on Saturday. The National Weather Service indicated a high fire risk for the area will continue through Friday.
Before the newly ignited fire, Rams coach Sean McVay expressed hope that the game could remain in Los Angeles, but he understood the unpredictable nature of such situations. “We would like to be able to play the game at home in front of our fans,” McVay said, though he acknowledged the realities of the situation. Game relocations are uncommon, though not unheard of. For instance, in 2003, a regular-season game between the Chargers and Dolphins was moved due to wildfires.
As things stand, both teams are adjusting to the changes. The Vikings’ travel plans will remain largely unaffected, while the Rams are accustomed to staying in hotels before home games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford mentioned that while they might have lost power for a period, they have been fortunate compared to others impacted by the fires. “It’s just really sad to watch from a distance,” Stafford said, acknowledging the struggles faced by many in the area.
