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.
