The Los Angeles Rams are set to usher in a new era at SoFi Stadium alongside the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL season.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke has spared no expense with the construction of this $5 billion stadium and it is clear that the organization is intent on kicking things off in style. As a result, they have already started to put in bids to host some of the NFL’s more high-profile events.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently addressed the idea of having the season-opener at SoFi Stadium and whether or not the 5 p.m. PT kickoff on a Thursday night would make it difficult for fans to navigate the traffic and attend the game. It seems he feels such concerns are being overblown.
According to NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano, Goodell says the possibility is real and would fully expects a packed house for the opening of one of the NFL’s newest venues if the season opener does take place there:
Goodell is open to the idea of kicking off 2020 at the new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. But what about a 5pm local start time for the first game of the season?
"It's going to be such a huge event, I'm not worried about a lack of fans there."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 29, 2020
The prospect of the Rams being highlighted on opening night would certainly be an intriguing one since this spot is usually reserved for the defending Super Bowl champions and their Week 1 opponents. Of course, the NFL has shown that they are willing to make exceptions after having the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers last year to celebrate the league’s 100th season.
Although it may be going against tradition once again, this is yet another eventful offseason for the NFL as a whole and such changes may be well-warranted. Aside from SoFi Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders will also be completing their relocation when they open up at Allegiant Stadium to officially become the newest host city.
Even if Goodell ultimately opts not to have the season opener in Los Angeles, the Rams’ first game is certain to draw plenty of fanfare. This will also not stop Kroenke from putting in a bid for other notable events such as the Pro Bowl after ending their contract with Orlando this past season.
