NFL Moves Vikings-Rams Wild Card Matchup

This story was updated from the original.

The NFL announced today that the Wild Card matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

This news comes as wildfires ravage parts of western California, including in the Los Angeles area. The game was originally scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wildfire smoke was visible from the Rams’ practice facility this afternoon.

“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.”

The fires broke out on Wednesday morning and have so far burned more than 25,000 acres. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna said on Wednesday that more than 37,000 residents were under evacuation orders. High winds and dry conditions have sped the fires’ growth.

“This is going to be devastating, a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles,” stated Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes the site of the largest fire.

The NFL has utilized neutral sites in the past. Detroit’s Ford Field is often a candidate for these games, however the Lions will be hosting all of their playoff games this postseason so the stadium is not available. The Arizona Cardinals’ stadium has hosted California-based teams in the past, most recently in 2020 when the San Francisco 49ers had to relocate there due to COVID restrictions. In 2003, the Cardinals’ stadium hosted a matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers on 24 hours notice when fires broke out in San Diego.

Other sports leagues have responded similarly to the fires. The National Hockey League canceled Wednesday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames.

Tickets to Monday night’s matchup at State Farm Stadium will be available at Noon PT to the general public.