NFL announces plans to move Rams-Vikings playoff from SoFi Stadium if deadly LA fires threaten game
The Rams aren’t the only NFL team from California that has to monitor the horror LA fires situation
THE NFL has revealed they are ready to have a backup plan for Monday’s Minnesota Vikings-Los Angeles Rams playoff game due to the horrifying fires hitting the Los Angeles area.
The Wild Card playoff game is still set to be played at the Rams’ SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
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A general view of SoFi Stadium during the Los Angeles Chargers win over the Tennesee Titans on November 10, 2024Credit: Getty
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Firefighters battling the fire in Palisades across Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Getty
The multiple wildfires that continue to engulf the southern part of California have caused hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes, and at least five are dead.
The fire has led to the NFL putting in place a contingency plan in place for Monday night’s game between the Vikings and Rams.
The league shared they will move the game to the Arizona Cardinals’ home field in Glendale, Arizona if a change of location is required.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community.
“In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Fox Sports star Emmanuel Acho films himself fleeing LA fires in harrowing vid as Hollywood Hills burns in the distance
The Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, also a participating team in the playoffs, both train in areas not dealing with the fires, but both team officials say they will monitor the situation.
The Chargers face the Houston Texans in Houston on Saturday and, on Wednesday, the squad changed their practice schedule to limit the players’ outdoor time.
Their facility is located in coastal El Segundo.
As for the Rams, they are due to practice on Thursday and the team’s facility is in Woodland Hills which is 13 miles north of the fire-damaged Pacific Palisades.
Most destructive California wildfires
California has been home to dozens of devastating wildfires, including four currently burning in January 2025 that have left over 1,000 structures ruined. Here are the five most destructive wildfires in state history:
1. Camp Fire – Butte County, 2018
Destroying more than 18,000 structures, the Camp Fire is widely known as the most destructive in California state history. Over 153,000 acres were burned and 86 people died.
2. Tubbs Fire – Napa County and Sonoma County, 2017
This October 2017 fire burned more than 5,600 structures and left 36,807 acres charred. Twenty-two people died.
3. Tunnel Fire – Alameda County, 1991
Another October blaze, the Tunnel Fire, destroyed 2,900 structures and burned 1,600 acres in 1991. Twenty-five people died.
4. Cedar Fire – San Diego County, 2003
Nearly 2,900 structures were ruined and a staggering 273,246 acres were burned in this blaze that killed 15 people.
5. Valley Fire – Lake, Napa, & Sonoma Counties, 2015
Four people died in this September 2015 blaze that destroyed nearly 2,000 structures and left 76,067 acres charred.
Source: KABC
“Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe,” the Rams wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
The team announced that no players or staff members have been affected by the fires.
The Chargers announced they will provide $200,000 of targeted funding to charities battling the fire and rescue organization.
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Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up before the team’s win over the Arizona Cardinals on December 28, 2024
