Rams-Vikings moved to Arizona as wildfires continue to wreak havoc on California

Rams-Vikings moved to Arizona as wildfires continue to wreak havoc on California

The NFL has officially moved the location of Monday’s wild card round matchup between the Rams and Vikings from SoFi Stadium in California to State Farm Stadium in Arizona. 

The move comes as wildfires continue to wreak havoc on Los Angeles County, causing 30,000 acres to burn and a mᴀss exodus of people.

The league said on Wednesday it was monitoring the situation and that the Cardinals’ home stadium would serve as the alternate venue if need be. 

Smokes from a wildfire rises over the Los Angeles Rams NFL football practice facility in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. AP

In a statement on Thursday, the NFL said the decision was made “in the interest of public safety” and that it was made “in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA.” 

The decision comes on the heels of the Rams practicing on Thursday as smoke billowed just beyond their Woodland Hills facility. 

The team had also allowed players to skip required media obligations so they could get back to their homes after a new fire broke out in the West Hills neighborhood of Southern California, NFL Network reported.

“Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Thursday. “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. Hopefully, they get this stuff under control. It’s been a unique week. 

Rams head coach Sean McVay on the sidelines in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
An American flag on the field before the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Getty Images

“Fortunately for us, there’s been some people that have been affected in regards to power outages, 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.”

NBA and NHL games in the LA area have also been impacted by the wildfires.

The Kings and Flames game on Wednesday was postponed and on Thursday the Lakers game against the Hornets at Staple Center was also postponed. 

Related Posts

New York Jets agree record contract with Sauce Gardner… just 24 hours after Garrett Wilson’s historic new deal

New York Jets agree record contract with Sauce Gardner… just 24 hours after Garrett Wilson’s historic new deal

Sauce Gardner has reportedly agreed a record-breaking new deal with the New York Jets that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. According to NFL…

Shaquille O’Neal threatens to punch NFL analyst over Angel Reese criticism

Shaquille O’Neal threatens to punch NFL analyst over Angel Reese criticism

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has claimed that he will ‘punch’ former NFL star Robert Griffin III over his recent comments on Angel Reese. Griffin made headlines earlier…

Chiefs strike historic deal with Trey Smith as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes ally agrees to stay

Chiefs strike historic deal with Trey Smith as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes ally agrees to stay

The Kansas City Chiefs have reached an agreement with Trey Smith over a new four-year, $94million contract just hours before Tuesday’s franchise-tag ᴅᴇᴀᴅline. According to ESPN’s Adam…

NFL star drops bombshell trade hint and hits out at his team after missing out on the Super Bowl last season

NFL star drops bombshell trade hint and hits out at his team after missing out on the Super Bowl last season

Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin has dropped a bombshell trade hint amid his contract standoff with the NFL side.   McLaurin – who is viewed as one of…

NFL quarterback ruthlessly cut by his team with training camp less than two weeks away

NFL quarterback ruthlessly cut by his team with training camp less than two weeks away

The Las Vegas Raiders have opted to waive quarterback Carter Bradley. Bradley, 25, joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 Draft and moved between…

Vikings star Jordan Addison stands trial for DUI a year after cops ‘found him sleeping behind wheel at LAX’

Vikings star Jordan Addison stands trial for DUI a year after cops ‘found him sleeping behind wheel at LAX’

Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison’s drunk-driving trial is underway in Los Angeles, where the former USC star is accused of operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level…