As the California wildfires continue, the NFL has moved the upcoming Wild Card Round game between the Rams and Vikings. The NFL announced that Monday’s game, which was intended to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, has been relocated to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. The game is scheduled for the same start time.
In the statement, the NFL said the move was made “in the interest of public safety.” The statement also said the decision was made “in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA.”
As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero passes along, this will mark only the second time in league history that the NFL has had to change the location of a playoff game (excluding Super Bowls). The other instance happened in 1936, when the NFL had to move the Championship Game matchup between the Boston Redskins and Green Bay Packers from Fenway Park in Boston to the Polo Grounds in New York. This was due to owner George Preston Marshall’s dissatisfaction with local fan support, and it preceded the team’s move to Washington in 1937.
The NFL revealed their contingency plan earlier this week, with State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona representing the league’s targeted venue.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” that previous statement read. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.”
According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, the Rams canceled their post-practice locker room scrum today so players could tend to their families and homes. Several players and coaches live in the area of the active Kenneth fire.