The Los Angeles Rams’ 2020 season is being slightly altered due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as the team announced they will relocate their training camp to their practice facilities at Cal Lutheran. The Rams have typically hold their training camp at UC Irvine, but have decided only to utilize their practice facilities to limit the exposure and spread of the virus.
The move came after NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell issued a statement, asking teams to hold training camp at their home stadium or practice facilities. Goodell also noted that he does not expect these procedures to carry over to next year.
With SoFi Stadium nearly complete, the Rams will likely be moving on from their Cal Lutheran facilities sooner rather than later as well. The practice site was created when the Rams returned to Los Angeles but was considered only a temporary solution until SoFi Stadium and it’s additional facilities could be completed. Unfortunately, construction on SoFi Stadium was temporarily put on hold due to the death of a construction worker.
The NFL also asked teams to cancel all joint practices. The Rams were scheduled to have joint practices with the New Orleans Saints before their first preseason game, although that obviously will no longer be the case.
The move to Cal Lutheran could signal how the NFL’s 2020 season will play out. With the threat of coronavirus yet to dissipate, the NFL has been considering starting the season with no fans present. Of course, training camp usually has fans watching at some point, which will likely not be able to happen at all this year.
In reality, it is a great blessing for the Rams that they will be able to meet in person at all with so much of the offseason being spent on Zoom meetings. Getting any time on the field will be incredibly valuable for getting rookies and new coaches accustomed to the Rams’ football culture in preparation for the 2020 season.
