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

Jared Goff and stunning wife announce life-changing family news

Jared Goff and stunning wife announce life-changing family news

NFL star Jared Goff and his wife Christen have welcomed their first child together. The Detroit Lions quarterback and his influencer wife announced the news with an…

John Elway’s chilling 911 call moments after his friend and agent’s fatal golf cart accident emerges 

John Elway’s chilling 911 call moments after his friend and agent’s fatal golf cart accident emerges 

NFL legend John Elway’s emotional call to emergency services following the tragic golf cart incident that cost the life of his agent can be heard in newly-released…

First round NFL Draft pick could return to college football amid bitter feud with team who picked him

First round NFL Draft pick could return to college football amid bitter feud with team who picked him

One of the top picks in this year’s NFL Draft is in a dispute with the team that picked him. Now, rumors suggest he may consider shunning…

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…