Vikings-Rams remains in L.A. amid wildfires; Arizona set as contingency

The NFL released a contingency plan Wednesday in case the wild-card matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium has to be moved because of wildfires that have devastated areas around Los Angeles.

The league stated it’s still preparing to play the game Monday night in L.A. as scheduled. However, if a location change is needed, the matchup would be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale.

“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the NFL 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.”

A venue change wouldn’t be new to the Cardinals, whose home stadium played host to a game between the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers in 2003 because of wildfires in San Diego, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. State Farm Stadium was also the site of three 49ers games during the COVID season in 2020.

Three major blazes were burning in the Los Angeles metropolitan area Wednesday, forcing at least 70,000 people to evacuate, officials said, according to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. The air quality index in the area varied from 150 to higher than 300, and it was 281 where SoFi Stadium is located. An air quality rating of 150 is considered “very unhealthy,” Thiry noted.

The Rams, who had a day off Wednesday, said no members of the team have been directly affected by the fires. The Los Angeles Chargers, who visit the Houston Texans on Saturday, limited their players’ time outdoors during Wednesday’s practice.

The Rams and multiple players – including receiver Puka Nacua – addressed the situation on social media, showing support for those affected by the wildfires.

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