As highly destructive wildfires persist in the greater Los Angeles area, the NFL has devised a contingency plan should Monday night’s game between the NFC West champion Rams and the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium, located in adjacent Inglewood, be deemed unsafe for play.
The NFL emphasizes the safety of the Los Angeles community. We appreciate the unwavering dedication of the first responders. The league issued a statement on Wednesday evening expressing solidarity with Los Angeles and all those impacted by the flames.
We are proceeding with preparations for the Vikings-Rams game, set for Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, contingency preparations are in place should a change in location become necessary. If required, the game will take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
“We will continue to monitor developments in the region and will sustain communication with public officials, including both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Rams players have expressed their support on social media, with Cooper Kupp posting on X on Wednesday: Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the flames. Gratitude is sent to the firefighters, first responders, and all individuals striving valiantly in incomprehensible conditions.
If a modification is required, it would not be the inaugural instance of the NFL relocating a Monday night game from Southern California due to wildfires. A 2003 contest between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins was relocated to Tempe, Arizona, the then home of the Cardinals. The relocated Chargers were defeated 26-10.
The Bolts, having departed San Diego in 2017 for Los Angeles, may face another disruption prior to their wild-card game on Saturday afternoon in Houston against the AFC South champion Texans. The Chargers modified their practice plan on Wednesday because of air quality concerns.
