The NFL has moved the major wild-card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams due to the raging wildfires in Southern California.
The game was originally to be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood but will now be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The decision to reschedule the Vikings-Rams contest was made in agreement with public officials, both teams and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
In a statement, the league pointed out that it decided to do so “in the interest of public safety” due to a series of wildfires active in the Los Angeles area over the past several days, with people relocated and property heavily damaged.
The Vikings and Rams game on Monday night has been moved to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/StlihOcgKo
— BET99 Sportsbook (@BET99Sportsbook) January 10, 2025
These fires burned thousands of acres, destroyed many structures, and have tragically caused loss of life.
On Tuesday, a fire in Pacific Palisades spread quickly due to strong winds, starting other fires such as the Easton and Hurt fires.
By Thursday morning, another fire broke out near the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills.
The situation raised concerns about air quality and public safety; therefore, the NFL decided to relocate the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke to the media at Thursday’s practice, giving his thoughts and prayers to those affected by the fires.
He sai,
“Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires. It’s one of those deals that almost doesn’t feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected. Praying that as many people are OK, and you just see the amount of people that are affected and it’s one of those deals that it gives you perspective”
Via NFL
Quarterback Matthew Stafford said playing this game can be a good distraction for fans and citizens going through tough times amidst the crisis.
Matthew Stafford on playing this week with the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles ⬇️
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 9, 2025
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/wO3kawnm22
The Relocation Of This Game Is One Of The Most Considerable Moments In NFL History
It will only be the third time a venue not serving as the home stadium for either participating team hosts a playoff game.
This happened previously during the 1936 and 1945 NFL championships.
This will also be the fifth time officials have moved an NFL game into the Cardinals’ home stadium under similar circumstances in Arizona.
Thinking of everyone affected by the fires in Los Angeles and across California, especially the families and friends of the victims. Please stay safe and take care. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/twoqWF5RXM
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 9, 2025
The wildfires have affected NFL games and other sporting events in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers rescheduled their home game against the Hornets on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings moved their game against the Calgary Flames earlier this week.
As fans prepare for Monday night’s game at State Farm Stadium, they hope this event will help reduce the wildfire chaos.
The NFL’s decision to prioritize public safety while not completely canceling the playoff excitement speaks of care and accountability toward communities affected by natural disasters.
The network will still broadcast the game as scheduled on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes, allowing fans to cheer on their teams from home despite the unexpected obstacles they must overcome.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- More than 130,000 residents have received evacuation orders.
- Officials have reported five deaths, but they say the toll is likely to be higher, while more than 5,000 structures have burned.
- Lakers head coach J.J. Redick lost his home in the fires.
