The NFL announced that the Wild Card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings is still scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium on Monday night.
However, there is a contingency plan in place if the game cannot be played due to the ongoing wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area.
If a change of location is needed, the game would still be played on Monday but moved to the Arizona Cardinals’ home field, State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Ariz.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
“We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. 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.”
As of Thursday morning, there were at least five active wildfires in the L.A. area that have either been partially contained or not contained at all. At least 70,000 people are under evacuation orders and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
The Rams and Los Angeles Chargers both train in areas not threatened by fires, but they are monitoring the air quality and its potential impact on their workouts. The Chargers are scheduled to play the Houston Texans on the road during NFL Wild Card Weekend.
The Rams said no players or staff members had been affected by the fires. The team is headquartered in Woodland Hills, a neighborhood located about 13 miles north of fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades.
Rams’ Puka Nacua & Cooper Kupp thankful for first responders
Rams star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp took to social media to express their appreciation for the first responders and give well wishes to the people that have been affected by the wildfires.
The Rams have been very involved in the local community over the years so surely will be doing something for the first responders and any victims in the coming weeks.
For now, as difficult as it may be, they will attempt to keep the focus on their upcoming game against the Vikings.
