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NFL Relocates Rams-Vikings Playoff Game To Arizona Amid L.A. Wildfires — Update

armando tinoco
·4-min read

UPDATED, 4:50 PM: The NFL is relocating the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona amid the L.A. wildfires.

”In the interest of public safety, Monday’s Vikings vs. Rams Wild Card game has been moved to Arizona,” the league said in a statement.

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The Rams had home field advantage at SoFi Stadium going into the playoffs after winning the NFC West division. However, due to the multiple fires still ongoing, the game against the Vikings will now be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The game will air on ABC and ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET.

The NFL has a recent history of relocating a California team’s home games to Arizona. In 2003, wildfires caused poor air quality in Southern California, forcing the San Diego Chargers to play a Sunday home game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. And during the Covid lockdown in 2020, the San Francisco 49ers played three home games at State Farm Stadium when Santa Clara County banned contact sports.

UPDATE 5 PM PT: The NFL released a new statement regarding the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday, January 13, at SoFi Stadium.

“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” read the statement. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.”

The organization noted that if the venue needs to change due to the fires, “the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.”

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA,” the NFL added.

PREVIOUSLY: The NFL is monitoring the California fires ahead of the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday, January 13, at SoFi Stadium.

Multiple fires have ravaged Los Angeles County, destroying more than 1,000 structures killing at least five people, and burning over 26,000 acres.

“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,” the league said in a statement.

SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, about 20 miles from the Pacific Palisades, the area most affected by the wildfires.

The Los Angeles Rams released a statement on social media amid the destructive fires.

“Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe,” read the post on X.

RELATED: L.A. Wildfires: Palisades Blaze Is Now The Most Destructive In City’s History; 1,000 Structures Lost, Including Will Rogers Historic Ranch House

After winning the NFC West division, the Rams are scheduled to go up against the Vikings on Monday night’s Wild Card game. The Vikings also posted a statement on X, “We’re thinking of our Rams friends, their community, and the first responders during this time.”

RELATED: Heartbreaking Interviews & Aerial Shots, Bulldozer Clears Abandoned Cars & More: Watch How Local TV Is Covering L.A. Wildfires

Rams’ wide receiver Cooper Kupp shared, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires. Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.”

Fellow Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua also took to X to write, “Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!”

The fires have affected the Hollywood industry, with production for shows like Hacks, Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS shutting down amid the situation. The BAFTA Tea Party was also canceled amid the wildfires, with the organization saying, “The safety of our colleagues, friends, and peers in Los Angeles remains our utmost priority, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”

The Critics Choice Awards 2025, initially scheduled for January 12 at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, were postponed until January 26 due to the wildfires.

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