The NFL has announced that the Minnesota Vikings-Los Angeles Rams wild-card game, originally scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, has been relocated to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFLPA, citing public safety concerns due to the multiple wildfires raging in Southern California. The 8pm ET start time and ticket sales opening on Friday will remain unchanged.
The move comes as fearsome winds have fueled blazes across the greater Los Angeles area, with the Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and several other fires breaking out in various locations. The most recent fire, the West Hills fire, erupted in the neighborhood of Woodland Hills, near the Rams’ practice facility, prompting the team to cancel an open locker room session to allow players to get home safely as evacuation orders were issued in the area.
As of Thursday, five deaths have been reported, with the toll expected to be higher, and over 5,000 structures have been destroyed, with more than 130,000 residents under evacuation orders. Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his thoughts and prayers were with those affected, acknowledging the devastating impact of the fires on the community.
