• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

As Fires Devastate L.A. Area, NFL Moves Vikings-Rams Game

A tragic and fast-changing situation in Southern California presents challenges for the NFL that are both familiar and new.

Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Update: Monday night’s wild-card matchup between the Rams and Vikings is officially moving to Glendale, Ariz. Read more about the NFL’s decision here.

While hardly the most serious factor in the ongoing Southern California wildfires, the NFL and Rams continue to weigh whether to move Monday’s wild-card playoff game against the Vikings from SoFi Stadium to a safer location—arguably the most notable sports-related issue connected to the disaster. 

As of Thursday afternoon, a final decision on the status of the Vikings-Rams contest had not been made as five separate wildfires continue to devastate parts of the Los Angeles area. The league, however, did acknowledge a contingency plan late Wednesday, saying the game would be moved, if needed, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., home of the Cardinals, and played at the same time.

“As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed,” the league said. 

The Rams, meanwhile, added Thursday afternoon that “as of now,” the wild-card game remains set for SoFi Stadium, adding “we hope to see you Monday night.”

“The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area,” the team said. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect our city and community, as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbors in need.”

Past and Present

The league grappled with a similar situation more than 21 years ago as it moved a Monday Night Football game between the Dolphins and then–San Diego Chargers to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., also then the Cardinals’ home, due to Southern California wildfires. 

The Rams resumed practice Thursday after an off day Wednesday, though with unhealthy levels of air quality for both that team and the neighboring Chargers, also competing in a playoff game Saturday in Houston. The Rams have their headquarters and training facility in Woodland Hills, about 13 miles north of Pacific Palisades—the hardest-hit area—with the Santa Monica Mountains in between the two locales.

As that happened, the NBA also postponed a Lakers home game scheduled for Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, with a new date to be announced at a later date. 

The potential placement of the Vikings-Rams game at State Farm Stadium, meanwhile, arrives as the insurance giant and facility naming rights sponsor is one of many carriers to have reduced homeowners’ coverage in the areas hit, including ceasing sales of new policies in the state.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Los Angeles Golf Club owners Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams cheer for their team against the New York Golf Club during the TGL semifinal match at SoFi Center on March 17, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
exclusive

Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian Bid on NFL Flag Football

Williams and Ohanian are the first known bidders for the flag football league.

Goodell, Owners Signal 18-Game NFL Season Is Coming—Eventually

The idea of a longer schedule ties into several other league initiatives.

March Madness Ratings Dip After Record Start: Will Final Four Deliver?

Viewership had been at a record pace through the opening rounds.
Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; The NFL shield logo at midfield during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena.

NFL’s Global Ambitions Now Extend to Abu Dhabi

Three teams gain marketing rights to the United Arab Emirates.

Featured Today

Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Brehanna Daniels
March 31, 2025

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.
March 30, 2025

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.

Clark Hunt: Chiefs Will Decide on Stadium Plans by Summer

The Chiefs owner also addresses TV, Patrick Mahomes, and the White House.
March 25, 2025

Mets Owner’s $8 Billion Casino Plan Hinges on Coveted Gaming License

There is no fallback if the Mets owner doesn’t obtain a gaming license.
March 28, 2025

Rays Home Opener Clouded by Stadium Drama, Mounting Criticism

Both Major League Baseball and Pinellas County call out the embattled franchise.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
March 24, 2025

Minor League Parks, Major League Prices: Rays, A’s Face Tough 2025

The A’s and Rays combine to make a different kind of MLB history.
Hockey
March 20, 2025

Wild Ask Minnesota for $395 Million Toward Arena Upgrades

The team wants to turn the surrounding area into an entertainment district.
March 19, 2025

Browns Boost Stadium Commitment to $2B As Cleveland Battle Continues

The Browns want to build a dome in the suburbs of Cleveland.
Nov 9, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; in a NWSL playoff match at CPKC Stadium.
March 19, 2025

The ‘Groundswell and Momentum’ Behind New Women’s Pro Sports Venues

Women’s pro teams are increasingly getting their own new stadiums and facilities.